Substituted 1-piperidin-4-yl-4-pyrrolidin-3-yl-piperazine derivatives and their use as neurokinin antagonists

ABSTRACT

This invention concerns substituted I-piperidin-4-yl-4-pyrrolidin-3-yl-piperazine derivatives having neurokinin antagonistic activity, in particular NK 1  antagonistic activity, a combined NK 1 /NK 3  antagonistic activity and a combined NK 1 /NK 2 /NK 3  antagonistic activity, their preparation, compositions comprising them and their use as a medicine, in particular for the treatment of schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, emesis and IBS. The compounds according to the invention can be represented by general Formula (I) and comprises also the pharmaceutically acceptable acid or base addition salts thereof, the stereochemically isomeric forms thereof, the N-oxide form thereof and prodrugs thereof, wherein all substituents are defined as in claim  1 . In view of their capability to antagonize the actions of tachykinins by blocking the neurokinin receptors, and in particular antagonizing the actions of substance P and Neurokinin B by blocking the NK 1 , NK 2  and NK 3  receptors, the compounds according to the invention are useful as a medicine, in particular in the prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of tachykinin-mediated conditions, such as, for instance CNS disorders, in particular schizoaffective disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, stress-related disorders, sleep disorders, cognitive disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, addiction disorders, mood disorders, sexual dysfunction, pain and other CNS-related conditions; inflammation; allergic disorders; emesis; gastrointestinal disorders, in particular irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); skin disorders; vasospastic diseases; fibrosing and collagen diseases; disorders related to immune enhancement or suppression and rheumatic diseases and body weight control.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This nonprovisional patent application is the National Stage of International Application No.PCT/EP2003/051041, filed 17 Dec. 2003, which claims priority from PCT/EP2002/14831, filed 23 Dec. 2002, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention concerns substituted 1-piperidin-4-yl-4-pyrrolidin-3-yl-piperazine derivatives having neurokinin antagonistic activity, in particular NK₁ antagonistic activity, a combined NK₁/NK₃ antagonistic activity and a combined NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ antagonistic activity, their preparation, compositions comprising them and their use as a medicine, in particular for the treatment of schizophrenia, emesis, anxiety and depression, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), circadian rhythm disturbances, visceral pain, neurogenic inflammation, asthma, micturition disorders such as urinary incontinence and nociception.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tachykinins belong to a family of short peptides that are widely distributed in the mammalian central and peripheral nervous system (Bertrand and Geppetti, Trends Pharmacol. Sci. 17:255-259 (1996); Lundberg, Can. J. Physiol. Pharmacol. 73:908-914 (1995); Maggi, Gen. Pharmacol. 26:911-944 (1995); Regoli et al., Pharmacol. Rev. 46 (1994)). They share the common C-terminal sequence Phe-Xaa-Gly-Leu-Met-NH₂. Tachykinins released from peripheral sensory nerve endings are believed to be involved in neurogenic inflammation. In the spinal cord/central nervous system, tachykinins may play a role in pain transmission/perception and in some autonomic reflexes and behaviors. The three major tachykinins are Substance P (SP), Neurokinin A (NKA) and Neurokinin B (NKB) with preferential affinity for three distinct neurokinin receptor subtypes, termed NK₁, NK₂, and NK₃, respectively. However, functional studies on cloned receptors suggest strong functional cross-interaction between the 3 tachykinins and their corresponding neurokinin receptors (Maggi and Schwartz, Trends Pharmacol Sci. 18: 351-355 (1997)).

Species differences in structure of NK₁ receptors are responsible for species-related potency differences of NK₁ antagonists (Maggi, Gen. Pharmacol. 26:911-944 (1995); Regoli et al., Pharmacol Rev. 46(4):551-599 (1994)). The human NK₁ receptor closely resembles the NK₁ receptor of guinea-pigs and gerbils but differs markedly from the NK₁ receptor of rodents. The development of neurokinin antagonists has led to date to a series of peptide compounds of which might be anticipated that they are metabolically too labile to be employed as pharmaceutically active substances (Longmore J. et al., DN&P 8(1):5-23 (1995)).

The tachykinins are involved in schizophrenia, depression, (stress-related) anxiety states, emesis, inflammatory responses, smooth muscle contraction and pain perception. Neurokinin antagonists are in development for indications such as emesis, anxiety and depression, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), circadian rhythm disturbances, visceral pain, neurogenic inflammation, asthma, micturition disorders, and nociception. In particular, NK₁ antagonists have a high therapeutic potential in emesis and depression and NK₂ antagonists have a high therapeutic potential in asthma treatments. NK₃ antagonists seem to play a role in the treatment of pain/inflammation (Giardina, G. et al. Exp. Opin. Ther. Patents, 10(6): 939-960 (2000)) and schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia

The NK₃ antagonist SR142801 (Sanofi) was recently shown to have antipsychotic activity in schizophrenic patients without affecting negative symptoms (Arvantis, L. ACNP Meeting, December 2001). Activation of NK₁ receptors causes anxiety, stressful events evoke elevated substance P (SP) plasma levels and NK₁ antagonists are reported to be anxiolytic in several animal models. The NK₁ antagonist from Merck, MK-869 shows antidepressant effects in major depression, but data were not conclusive due to a high placebo response rate. Moreover, the NK₁ antagonist from Glaxo-Welcome (S)-GR205,171 was shown to enhance dopamine release in the frontal cortex but not in the striatum (Lejeune et al. Soc. Neurosci., November 2001). It is therefore hypothesized that NK₃ antagonism in combination with NK₁ antagonism would be beneficial against both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

Anxiety and Depression

Depression is one of the most common affective disorders of modern society with a high and still increasing prevalence, particularly in the younger members of the population. The life time prevalence rates of Major depression (MDD, DSM-IV) is currently estimated to be 10-25% for women and 5-12% for men, whereby in about 25% of patients the life time MDD is recurrent, without full inter-episode recovery and superimposed on dysthymic disorder. There is a high co-morbidity of depression with other mental disorders and, particularly in younger population high association with drug and alcohol abuse. In the view of the fact that depression primarily affects the population between 18-44 years of age e.g. the most productive population, it is obvious that it imposes a high burden on individuals, families and the whole society.

Among all therapeutic possibilities, the therapy with antidepressants is incontestably the most effective. A large number of antidepressants have been developed and introduced to the market in the course of the last 40 years. Nevertheless, none of the current antidepressants fulfill all criteria of an ideal drug (high therapeutic and prophylactic efficacy, rapid onset of action, completely satisfactory short- and long-term safety, simple and favourable pharmacokinetics) or is without side effects which in one or the other way limits their use in all groups and subgroups of depressed patients.

Since no treatment of the cause of depression exists at present, nor appears imminent, and no antidepressant is effective in more than 60-70% of patients; the development of a new antidepressant which may circumvent any of the disadvantages of the available drugs is justified.

Several findings indicate involvement of SP in stress-related anxiety states. Central injection of SP induces a cardiovascular response resembling the classical “fight or flight” reaction characterised physiologically by vascular dilatation in skeletal muscles and decrease of mesenteric and renal blood flow. This cardiovascular reaction is accompanied by a behavioural response observed in rodents after noxious stimuli or stress (Culman and Unger, Can. J. Physiol. Pharmacol. 73:885-891 (1995)). In mice, centrally administered NK₁ agonists and antagonists are anxiogenic and anxiolytic, respectively (Teixeira et al., Eur. J. Pharmacol. 311:7-14 (1996)). The ability of NK₁ antagonists to inhibit thumping induced by SP (or by electric shock; Ballard et al., Trends Pharmacol. Sci. 17:255-259 (2001)) might correspond to this antidepressant/anxiolytic activity, since in gerbils thumping plays a role as an alerting or warning signal to conspecifics.

The NK₁ receptor is widely distributed throughout the limbic system and fear-processing pathways of the brain, including the amygdala, hippocampus, septum, hypothalamus, and periaqueductal grey. Additionally, substance P is released centrally in response to traumatic or noxious stimuli and substance P-associated neurotransmission may contribute to or be involved in anxiety, fear, and the emotional disturbances that accompany affective disorders such as depression and anxiety. In support of this view, changes in substance P content in discrete brain regions can be observed in response to stressful stimuli (Brodin et al., Neuropeptides 26:253-260 (1994)).

Central injection of substance P mimetics (agonists) induces a range of defensive behavioural and cardiovascular alterations including conditioned place aversion (Elliott, Exp. Brain. Res. 73:354-356 (1988)), potentiated acoustic startle response (Krase et al., Behav. Brain. Res. 63:81-88 (1994)), distress vocalisations, escape behaviour (Kramer et al., Science 281:1640-1645 (1998)) and anxiety on the elevated plus maze (Aguiar and Brandao, Physiol. Behav. 60:1183-1186 (1996)). These compounds did not modify motor performance and co-ordination on the rotarod apparatus or ambulation in an activity cage. Down-regulation of substance P biosynthesis occurs in response to the administration of known anxiolytic and antidepressant drugs (Brodin et al., Neuropeptides 26:253-260 (1994); Shirayama et al., Brain. Res. 739:70-78 (1996)). Similarly, a centrally administered NK₁ agonist-induced vocalisation response in guinea-pigs can be antagonised by antidepressants such as imipramine and fluoxetine as well as L-733,060, an NK₁ antagonist. These studies provide evidence suggesting that blockade of central NK₁ receptors may inhibit psychological stress in a manner resembling antidepressants and anxiolytics (Rupniak and Kramer, Trends Pharmacol. Sci. 20:1-12 (1999)), but without the side effects of present medications.

Emesis

Nausea and vomiting are among the most distressing side effects of cancer chemotherapy. These reduce the quality of life and may cause patients to delay or refuse, potentially curative drugs (Kris et al., J. Clin. Oncol., 3:1379-1384 (1985)). The incidence, intensity and pattern of emesis is determined by different factors, such as the chemotherapeutic agent, dosage and route of administration. Typically, early or acute emesis starts within the first 4 h after chemotherapy administration, reaching a peak between 4 h and 10 h, and decreases by 12 to 24 h. Delayed emesis (developing after 24 h and continuing until 3-5 days post chemotherapy) is observed with most ‘high-emetogenic’ chemotherapeutic drugs (level 4 and 5 according to Hesketh et al., J. Clin. Oncol. 15:103 (1997)). In humans, these ‘high-emetogenic’ anti-cancer treatments, including cis-platinum, induce acute emesis in>98% and delayed emesis in 60-90% of cancer patients.

Animal models of chemotherapy such as cisplatin-induced emesis in ferrets (Rudd and Naylor, Neuropharmacology 33:1607-1608 (1994); Naylor and Rudd, Cancer. Surv. 21:117-135 (1996)) have successfully predicted the clinical efficacy of the 5-HT₃ receptor antagonists. Although this discovery led to a successful therapy for the treatment of chemotherapy- and radiation-induced sickness in cancer patients, 5-HT₃ antagonists such as ondansetron and granisetron (either or not associated with dexamethasone) are effective in the control of the acute emetic phase (the first 24 h) but can only reduce the development of delayed emesis (>24 h) with poor efficacy (De Mulder et al., Annuals of Internal Medicine 113:834-840 (1990); Roila, Oncology 50:163-167 (1993)). Despite these currently most effective treatments for the prevention of both acute and delayed emesis, still 50% of patients suffer from delayed vomiting and/or nausea (Antiemetic Subcommittee, Annals Oncol. 9:811-819 (1998)).

In contrast to 5-HT₃ antagonists, NK₁ antagonists such as CP-99,994 (Piedimonte et al., L. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 266:270-273 (1993)) and aprepitant (also known as MK-869 or L-754,030; Kramer et al., Science 281:1640-1645 (1998); Rupniak and Kramer, Trends Pharmacol Sci. 20:1-12 (1999)) have now been shown to inhibit not only the acute but also the delayed phase of cisplatin-induced emesis in animals (Rudd et al., Br. J. Pharmacol. 119:931-936 (1996); Tattersall et al., Neuropharmacology 39:652-663 (2000)). NK₁ antagonists have also been demonstrated to reduce ‘delayed’ emesis in man in the absence of concomitant therapy (Cocquyt et al., Eur. J. Cancer 37:835-842 (2001); Navari et al., N. Engl. L. Med. 340:190-195 (1999)). When administered together with dexamethasone and 5-HT₃ antagonists, moreover, NK₁ antagonists (such as MK-869 and CJ-11,974, also known as Ezlopitant) have been shown to produce additional effects in the prevention of acute emesis (Campos et al., J. Clin. Oncol. 19:1759-1767 (2001); Hesketh et al., Clin. Oncol. 17:338-343 (1999)).

Central neurokinin NK₁ receptors play a major role in the regulation of emesis. NK₁ antagonists are active against a wide variety of emetic stimuli (Watson et al., Br. J. Pharmacol. 115:84-94 (1995); Tattersall et al., Neuropharmacol. 35:1121-1129 (1996); Megens et al., J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 302:696-709 (2002)). The compounds are suggested to act by blocking central NK₁-receptors in the nucleus tractus solitarius. Apart from NK₁ antagonism, CNS penetration is thus a prerequisite for the antiemetic activity of these compounds. Loperamide-induced emesis in ferrets can be used as a fast and reliable screening model for the antiemetic activity of NK₁ antagonists. Further evaluation of their therapeutic value in the treatment of both the acute and the delayed phases of cisplatin-induced emesis has been demonstrated in the established ferret model (Rudd et al., Br. J. Pharmacol. 119:931-936 (1994)). This model studies both ‘acute’ and ‘delayed’ emesis after cisplatin and has been validated in terms of its sensitivity to 5-HT₃ receptor antagonists, glucocorticoids (Sam et al., Eur. J. Pharmacol. 417:231-237 (2001)) and other pharmacological challenges. It is unlikely that any future anti-emetic would find clinical acceptance unless successfully treating both the ‘acute’ and ‘delayed’ phases of emesis.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) experience impaired quality of life, and utilise health care resources extensively as they seek better “solutions” (including unnecessary repeated investigations or even surgery). Although these patients suffer from a ‘benign’ disorder (in other words, they will never die or develop significant complications), they nevertheless cause a significant economic burden by extensive health care resource utilisation, and absence from work.

A reasonable number of pre-clinical publications over the role of NK₁ receptors in visceral pain has been published. Using NK₁ receptor knockout mice and NK₁ antagonists in animal models, different groups have demonstrated the important role played by the NK₁ receptor in hyperalgesia and visceral pain. The distribution of NK₁ receptors and substance P favours a major role in visceral rather than in somatic pain. Indeed more than 80% of visceral primary afferent contain substance P compared with only 25% skin afferents. NK₁ receptors are also involved in gastrointestinal motility (Tonini et al., Gastioenterol. 120:938-945 (2001); Okano et al., J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 298:559-564 (2001)). Because of this dual role in both gastrointestinal motility and in nociception, NK₁ antagonists are considered to have potential to ameliorate symptoms in IBS patients.

BACKGROUND PRIOR ART

Compounds containing the 1-piperidin-4-yl-piperazinyl moiety were published in WO 97/16440-A1, published May 9, 1997 by Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V. for use as substance P antagonists, in WO 02/32867, published Apr. 25, 2002 by Glaxo Group Ltd. for their special advantages as neurokinin antagonists (more specifically were disclosed 4-piperazin-1-yl-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid amide derivatives), in WO 01/30348-A1, published May 03, 2001 by Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V., for use as substance P antagonists for influencing the circadian timing system, and in WO 02/062784-A1, published Aug. 15, 2002 by Hoffmann-La Roche AG for use as neurokinin-1 antagonists.

The compounds of the present invention differ from the compounds of the prior art in the substitution of the piperazinyl moiety, being a substituted pyrrolidinyl moiety as well as in their improved ability as potent, orally and centrally active neurokinin antagonists with therapeutic value, especially for the treatment of schizophrenia, emesis, anxiety and depression, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), circadian rhythm disturbances, visceral pain, neurogenic inflammation, asthma, micturition disorders such as urinary incontinence and nociception.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to novel substituted 1-piperidin-4-yl-pyrrolidin-3-yl-piperazine derivatives according to the general Formula (I)

the pharmaceutically acceptable acid or base addition salts thereof, the stereochemically isomeric forms thereof, the N-oxide form thereof and prodrugs thereof, wherein:

-   -   n is an integer, equal to 0, 1 or 2;     -   m is an integer, equal to 1 or 2, provided that if m is 2, then         n is 1;     -   p is an integer equal to 1 or 2;     -   q is an integer equal to 0 or 1;     -   Q is O or NR³;     -   X is a covalent bond or a bivalent radical of formula —O—, —S—         or —NR³—;     -   each R³ independently from each other, is hydrogen or alkyl;     -   each R¹ independently from each other, is selected from the         group of Ar¹, Ar¹-alkyl and di(Ar¹)-alkyl;     -   R² is Ar², Ar²-alkyl, di(Ar²)alkyl, Het¹ or Het¹-alkyl;     -   Y is a covalent bond or a bivalent radical of formula —C(═O)—,         —SO₂−>C═CH—R or >C═N—R, wherein R is H, CN or nitro;     -   each Alk represents, independently from each other, a covalent         bond; a bivalent straight or branched, saturated or unsaturated         hydrocarbon radical having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; or a cyclic         saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon radical having from 3 to 6         carbon atoms; each radical optionally substituted on one or more         carbon atoms with one or more, phenyl, halo, cyano, hydroxy,         formyl and amino radicals;     -   L is selected from the group of hydrogen, alkyl, alkyloxy,         alkyloxyalkyloxy, alkylcarbonyloxy, alkyloxycarbonyl, mono- and         di(alkyl)amino, mono- and di(alkyloxycarbonyl)amino, mono- and         di(alkylcarbonyl)amino, mono- and di(Ar³)amino, mono- and         di(Ar³alkyl)amino, mono- and di(Het²)amino, mono- and         di(Het²alkyl)amino, alkylsulfanyl, adamantyl, Ar³-oxy,         Ar³carbonyl, Het², Het-oxy and Het²carbonyl;     -   Ar¹ is phenyl, optionally substituted with 1, 2 or 3         substituents, each independently from each other, selected from         the group of halo, alkyl, cyano, aminocarbonyl and alkyloxy;     -   Ar² is naphthalenyl or phenyl, each optionally substituted with         1, 2 or 3 substituents, each independently from each other,         selected from the group of halo, nitro, amino, mono- and         di(alkyl)amino, cyano, alkyl hydroxy, alkyloxy, carboxyl,         alkyloxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl and mono- and         di(alkyl)aminocarbonyl;     -   Ar³ is naphthalenyl or phenyl, optionally substituted with 1, 2         or 3 substituents, each independently from each other, selected         from the group of alkyloxy, Ar¹carbonyloxyalkyl,         Ar¹alkyloxycarbonyl, Ar¹alkyloxyalkyl, alkyl, halo, hydroxy,         pyridinyl, morpholinyl, pyrrolidinyl, imidazo[1,2-a]pyridinyl,         morpholinylcarbonyl, pyrrolidinylcarbonyl, amino and cyano;     -   Het¹ is a monocyclic heterocyclic radical selected from the         group of pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, furanyl thienyl,         oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyridinyl,         pyrmidinyl, pyrazinyl and pyridazinyl; or a bicyclic         heterocyclic radical selected from the group of quinolinyl,         quinoxalinyl, indolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzoxazolyl,         benzisoxazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzisothiazolyl, benzofuranyl,         benzothienyl, indanyl and chromenyl; each heterocyclic radical         may optionally be substituted on any atom by one or more         radicals elected from the group of halo, oxo and alkyl;     -   Het² is a monocyclic heterocyclic radical selected from the         group of pyrrolidinyl, dioxolyl, imidazolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl,         piperidinyl, morpholinyl, dithianyl, thiomorpholinyl,         piperazinyl, imidazolidinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, 2H-pyrrolyl,         pyrrolinyl, imidazolinyl, pyrazolinyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl,         pyrazolyl, triazolyl, furanyl, thienyl, oxazolyl, dioxazolyl,         oxazolidinyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, isothiazolyl,         pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl and triazinyl;     -    or a bicyclic heterocyclic radical selected from the group of         2,3-dihydrobenzo[1,4]dioxine, octahydrobenzo[1,4]dioxine,         benzopiperidinyl, quinolinyl, quinoxalinyl, indolyl, isoindolyl,         chromanyl, benzimidazolyl, imidazo[1,2-a]pyridinyl,         benzoxazolyl, benzisoxazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzisothiazolyl,         benzofuranyl and benzothienyl;     -    or the tricyclic heterocyclic radical         8,9-dihydro-4H-1-oxa-3,5,7a-triaza-cyclopenta[f]azulenyl; each         radical may optionally be substituted with one or more radicals         selected from the group of Ar¹, Ar¹alkyl, Ar¹alkyloxyalkyl,         halo, hydroxy, alkyl, piperidinyl, pyrrolyl, thienyl, oxo,         alkyloxy, alkylcarbonyl, Ar¹carbonyl, mono- and         di(alkyl)aminoalkyl, alkyloxyalkyl and alkyloxycarbonyl; and     -   alkyl is a straight or branched saturated hydrocarbon radical         having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms or a cyclic saturated         hydrocarbon radicals having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms; optionally         substituted on one or more carbon atoms with one or more         radicals selected from the group of phenyl, halo, cyano, oxo,         hydroxy, formyl and amino.

More in particular, the invention relates to a compound according to the general Formula (I), the pharmaceutically acceptable acid or base addition salts thereof, the stereochemically isomeric forms thereof, the N-oxide form thereof and a prodrug thereof, wherein:

-   -   n is an integer, equal to 1;     -   m is an integer, equal to 1;     -   p is an integer equal to 1 or 2;     -   q is an integer equal to 0;     -   Q is O     -   X is a covalent bond;     -   R¹ is Ar¹-alkyl;     -   R² is Ar², Ar²-alkyl, di(Ar²)alkyl or Het¹;     -   Y is a covalent bond or a bivalent radical of formula —C(═O)—,         —SO₂—, >C═CH—R or >C═N—R, wherein R is CN or nitro;     -   each Alk represents, independently from each other, a covalent         bond; a bivalent straight or branched, saturated hydrocarbon         radical having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; or a cyclic saturated         hydrocarbon radical having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms; each         radical optionally substituted on one or more carbon atoms with         one or more phenyl, halo and hydroxy radicals;     -   L is selected from the group of hydrogen, alkyl, alkyloxy,         alkyloxyalkyloxy, alkylcarbonyloxy, mono- and di(alkyl)amino,         mono- and di(alkyloxycarbonyl)amino, mono- and         di(alkylcarbonyl)amino, mono- and di(Ar³)amino, mono- and         di(Ar³alkyl)amino, mono- and di(Het²alkyl)amino, alkylsulfanyl,         adamantyl, Ar³, Het² and Het²carbonyl;     -   Ar¹ is phenyl, optionally substituted with 1 or 2 halo radicals;     -   Ar² is naphthalenyl or phenyl, each optionally substituted with         1, 2 or 3 substituents, each independently from each other,         selected from the group of halo, alkyl and alkyloxy;     -   Ar³ is naphthalenyl or phenyl, optionally substituted with 1, 2         or 3 substituents, each independently from each other, selected         from the group of alkyloxy, Ar¹alkyloxycarbonyl,         Ar¹alkyloxyalkyl, alkyl, halo and cyano;     -   Het¹ is pyridinyl or a bicyclic heterocyclic radical selected         from the group of quinoxalinyl, indolyl benzothienyl, indanyl         and chromenyl; each heterocyclic radical may optionally be         substituted on any atom by one or more radicals selected from         the group of oxo and alkyl;     -   Het² is a monocyclic heterocyclic radical selected from the         group of pyrrolidinyl, dioxolyl piperidinyl, morpholinyl,         piperazinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl,         furanyl, thienyl dioxazolyl oxazolidinyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl,         thiadiazolyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl and pyridazinyl;     -    or a bicyclic heterocyclic radical selected from the group of         2,3-dihydrobenzo[1,4]dioxine, octahydrobenzo[1,4]dioxine,         quinoxalinyl, indolyl, chromanyl, benzimidazolyl, imidazo[1,2-a         ]pyridinyl, benzisoxazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzofuranyl and         benzothienyl;     -    or the tricyclic heterocyclic radical         8,9-dihydro-4H-1-oxa-3,5,7a-triaza-cyclopenta[f]azulenyl; each         radical may optionally be substituted with one or more radicals         selected from the group of Ar¹, Ar¹alkyloxyalkyl, halo, alkyl,         oxo, alkyloxy, alkylcarbonyl, Ar¹carbonyl, mono- and         di(alkyl)aminoalkyl, alkyloxyalkyl and alkyloxycarbonyl; and     -   alkyl is a straight or branched saturated hydrocarbon radical         having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms or a cyclic saturated         hydrocarbon radicals having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms; optionally         substituted on one or more carbon atoms with one or more         radicals selected from the group of phenyl, halo and hydroxy.

More in particular, the invention relates to a compound according to the general Formula (I), the pharmaceutically acceptable acid or base addition salts thereof, the stereochemically isomeric forms thereof, the N-oxide form thereof and a prodrug thereof, wherein R¹ is Ar¹methyl and attached to the 2-position or R¹ is Ar¹ and attached to the 3-position, as exemplified in either of the following formulas for compounds according to Formula (I) wherein m and n are equal to 1 and Ar is an unsubstituted phenyl. Preferably, Ar¹methyl is a benzyl radical.

More in particular, the invention relates to a compound according to the general Formula (I), the pharmaceutically acceptable acid or base addition salts thereof, the stereochemically isomeric forms thereof, the N-oxide form thereof and a prodrug thereof, wherein the R²—X—C(═Q)— moiety is 3,5-di-(trifluoromethyl) phenylcarbonyl.

More in particular, the invention relates to a compound according to the general Formula (I), the pharmaceutically acceptable acid or base addition salts thereof, the stereochemically isomeric forms thereof, the N-oxide form thereof and a prodrug thereof, wherein p is 1.

More in particular, the invention relates to a compound according to the general Formula (I), the pharmaceutically acceptable acid or base addition salts thereof, the stereochemically isomeric forms thereof, the N-oxide form thereof and a prodrug thereof, wherein Y is —C(═O)—.

More in particular, the invention relates to a compound according to the general Formula (I), the pharmaceutically acceptable acid or base addition salts thereof, the stereochemically isomeric forms thereof, the N-oxide form thereof and a prodrug thereof, wherein Alk is a covalent bond.

More in particular, the invention relates to a compound according to the general Formula (I), the pharmaceutically acceptable acid or base addition salts thereof, the stereochemically isomeric forms thereof, the N-oxide form thereof and a prodrug thereof, wherein L is Het².

More in particular, the invention relates to a compound according to the general Formula (I), the pharmaceutically acceptable acid or base addition salts thereof, the stereochemically isomeric forms thereof, the N-oxide form thereof and a prodrug thereof, wherein the compound is a compound with compound number 219, 270, 269, 281, 408, 393, 72, 164, 253, 258, 267, 286, 317, 318, 313, 308, 331, 366, 31, 32, 4, 71, 218, 259, 287, 285, 306 and 321, as mentioned in any one of Tables 1-6 further in this application.

In the framework of this application, alkyl is defined as a monovalent straight or branched saturated hydrocarbon radical having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, for example methyl, ethyl, propyl butyl, 1-methylpropyl, 1,1-dimethylethyl, pentyl, hexyl; alkyl further defines a monovalent cyclic saturated hydrocarbon radical having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms, for example cyclopropyl methylcyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl. The definition of alkyl also comprises an alkyl radical that is optionally substituted on one or more carbon atoms with one or more phenyl, halo, cyano, oxo, hydroxy, formyl and amino radicals, for example hydroxyalkyl, in particular hydroxymethyl and hydroxyethyl and polyhaloalkyl, in particular difluoromethyl and trifluoromethyl.

In the framework of this application, halo is generic to fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo.

In the framework of this application, with “compounds according to the invention” is meant a compound according to the general Formula (I), the pharmaceutically acceptable acid or base addition salts thereof, the stereochemically isomeric forms thereof, the N-oxide form thereof and a prodrug thereof.

In the framework of this application, especially in the moiety Alk^(a)-Y-Alk^(b) in Formula (I), when two or more consecutive elements of said moiety denote a covalent bond, then a single covalent bond is denoted. For example, when Alk^(a) and Y denote both a covalent bond and Alk^(b) is —CH₂—, then the moiety Alk^(a)-Y-Alk^(b) denotes —CH₂—. Similarly, if Alk^(a), Y and Alk^(b) each denote a covalent bond and L denotes H, then the moiety Alk^(a)-Y-Alk^(b)-L denotes —H.

The pharmaceutically acceptable salts are defined to comprise the therapeutically active non-toxic acid addition salts forms that the compounds according to Formula (I) are able to form. Said salts can be obtained by treating the base form of the compounds according to Formula (I) with appropriate acids, for example inorganic acids, for example hydrohalic acid, in particular hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid and phosphoric acid; organic acids, for example acetic acid, hydroxyacetic acid, propanoic acid, lactic acid, pyruvic acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, cyciamic acid, salicylic acid, p-aminosalicylic acid and pamoic acid.

The compounds according to Formula (I) containing acidic protons may also be converted into their therapeutically active non-toxic metal or amine addition salts forms by treatment with appropriate organic and inorganic bases. Appropriate base salts forms comprise, for example, the ammonium salts, the alkaline and earth alkaline metal salts, in particular lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium salts, salts with organic bases, e.g. the benzathine, N-methyl-D-glucamine, hybramine salts, and salts with amino acids, for example arginine and lysine.

Conversely, said salts forms can be converted into the free forms by treatment with an appropriate base or acid.

The term addition salt as used in the framework of this application also comprises the solvates that the compounds according to Formula (I) as well as the salts thereof, are able to form. Such solvates are, for example, hydrates and alcoholates.

The N-oxide forms of the compounds according to Formula (I) are meant to comprise those compounds of Formula (I) wherein one or several nitrogen atoms are oxidized to the so-called N-oxide, particularly those N-oxides wherein one or more tertiary nitrogens (e.g. of the piperazinyl or pyrrolidinyl radical) are N-oxidized. Such N-oxides can easily be obtained by a skilled person without any inventive skills and they are obvious alternatives for the compounds according to Formula (I) since these compounds are metabolites, which are formed by oxidation in the human body upon uptake . As is generally known, oxidation is normally the first step involved in drug metabolism (Textbook of Organic Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, 1977, pages 70-75). As is also generally known, the metabolite form of a compound can also be administered to a human instead of the compound per se, with possibly the same effects.

The compounds according to the invention possess at least 2 oxydizable nitrogens (tertiary amines moieties). It is therefore highly likely that N-oxides will form in the human metabolism.

The compounds of Formula (I) may be converted to the corresponding N-oxide forms following art-known procedures for converting a trivalent nitrogen into its N-oxide form. Said N-oxidation reaction may generally be carried out by reacting the starting material of Formula (I) with an appropriate organic or inorganic peroxide. Appropriate inorganic peroxides comprise, for example, hydrogen peroxide, alkali metal or earth alkaline metal peroxides, e.g. sodium peroxide, potassium peroxide; appropriate organic peroxides may comprise peroxy acids such as, for example, benzenecarboperoxoic acid or halo substituted benzenecarboperoxoic acid, e.g. 3-chlorobenzenecarboperoxoic acid, peroxoalkanoic acids, e.g. peroxoacetic acid, alkylhydroperoxides, e.g. tert-butyl hydroperoxide. Suitable solvents are, for example, water, lower alkanols, e.g. ethanol and the like, hydrocarbons, e.g. toluene, ketones, e.g. 2-butanone, halogenated hydrocarbons, e.g. dichloromethane, and mixtures of such solvents.

The term “stereochemically isomeric forms” as used hereinbefore defines all the possible isomeric forms that the compounds of Formula (I) may possess. Unless otherwise mentioned or indicated, the chemical designation of compounds denotes the mixture of all possible stereochemically isomeric forms having that designation, said mixtures containing all diastereomers and enantiomers of the basic molecular structure. More in particular, stereogenic centers may have the R- or S-configuration; substituents on bivalent cyclic (partially) saturated radicals may have either the cis- or trans-configuration. Compounds encompassing double bonds can have an E or Z-stereochemistry at said double bond. Stereochemically isomeric forms of the compounds of Formula (I) are obviously intended to be embraced within the scope of this invention.

Following CAS nomenclature conventions, when two stereogenic centers of known absolute configuration are present in a molecule, an R or S descriptor is assigned (based on Cahn-Ingold-Prelog sequence rule) to the lowest-numbered chiral center, the reference center. R* and S* each indicate optically pure stereogenic centers with undetermined absolute configuration. If “α” and “β” are used: the position of the highest priority substituent on the asymmetric carbon atom in the ring system having the lowest ring number, is arbitrarily always in the “α” position of the mean plane determined by the ring system. The position of the highest priority substituent on the other asymmetric carbon atom in the ring system (hydrogen atom in compounds according to Formula (I)) relative to the position of the highest priority substituent on the reference atom is denominated “α”, if it is on the same side of the mean plane determined by the ring system, or “β”, if it is on the other side of the mean plane determined by the ring system.

Compounds according to Formula (I) and some of the intermediate compounds have at least two stereogenic centers in their structure.

The invention also comprises derivative compounds (usually called “pro-drugs”) of the pharmacologically-active compounds according to the invention, which are degraded in vivo to yield the compounds according to the invention. Pro-drugs are usually (but not always) of lower potency at the target receptor than the compounds to which they are degraded. Pro-drugs are particularly useful when the desired compound has chemical or physical properties that make its administration difficult or inefficient. For example, the desired compound may be only poorly soluble, it may be poorly transported across the mucosal epithelium, or it may have an undesirably short plasma half-life. Further discussion on pro-drugs may be found in Stella, V. J. et al., “Prodrugs”, Drug Delivery Systems, 1985, pp. 112-176, and Drugs, 1985, 29, pp. 455-473.

Pro-drugs forms of the pharmacologically-active compounds according to the invention will generally be compounds according to Formula (I), the pharmaceutically acceptable acid or base addition salts thereof, the stereochemically isomeric forms thereof and the N-oxide form thereof, having an acid group which is esterified or amidated. Included in such esterified acid groups are groups of the formula —COOR^(x), where R^(x) is a C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl, benzyl or one of the following groups:

Amidated groups include groups of the formula —CONR^(y)R^(z), wherein R^(y) is H, C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl or benzyl and R^(z) is —OH, H, C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl or benzyl. Compounds according to the invention having an amino group may be derivatised with a ketone or an aldehyde such as formaldehyde to form a Mannich base. This base will hydrolyze with first order kinetics in aqueous solution.

The compounds of Formula (I) as prepared in the processes described below may be synthesized in the form of racemic mixtures of enantiomers that can be separated from one another following art-known resolution procedures. The racemic compounds of Formula (I) may be converted into the corresponding diastereomeric salt forms by reaction with a suitable chiral acid. Said diastereomeric salt forms are subsequently separated, for example, by selective or fractional crystallization and the enantiomers are liberated therefrom by alkali. An alternative manner of separating the enantiomeric forms of the compounds of Formula (I) involves liquid chromatography using a chiral stationary phase. Said pure stereochemically isomeric forms may also be derived from the corresponding pure stereochemically isomeric forms of the appropriate starting materials, provided that the reaction occurs stereospecifically. Preferably if a specific stereoisomer is desired, said compound would be synthesized by stereospecific methods of preparation. These methods will advantageously employ enantiomerically pure starting materials.

Pharmacology

Substance P and other tachykinins are involved in a variety of biological actions such as pain transmission (nociception), neurogenic inflammation, smooth muscle contraction, plasma protein extravasation, vasodilation, secretion, mast cell degranulation, and also in activation of the immune system. A number of diseases are deemed to be engendered by activation of neurokinin receptors, in particular the NK₁ receptor, by excessive release of substance P and other neurokinins in particular cells such as cells in the neuronal plexi of the gastrointestinal tract, unmyelinated primary sensory afferent neurons, sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons and nonneuronal cell types (DN&P 8(1):5-23 (1995) and Longmore J. et al., “Neurokinin Receptors” Pharmacological Reviews 46(4):551-599 (1994)).

The compounds of the present invention are potent inhibitors of neurokinin-mediated effects, in particular those mediated via the NK₁, NK₂ and NK₃ receptor, and may therefore be described as neurokinin antagonists, especially as substance P antagonists, as may be indicated in vitro by the antagonism of substance P-induced relaxation of pig coronary arteries. The binding affinity of the present compounds for the human, guinea-pig and gerbil neurokinin receptors may also be determined in vitro in a receptor binding test using ³H-substance-P as radioligand. The subject compounds also show substance-P antagonistic activity in vivo as may be evidenced by, for instance, the antagonism of substance P-induced plasma extravasation in guinea-pigs, or the antagonism of drug-induced emesis in ferrets (Watson et al., Br. J. Pharmacol. 115:84-94 (1995)).

In view of their capability to antagonize the actions of tachykinins by blocking the neurokinin receptors, and in particular by blocking the NK₁, NK₂ and NK₃ receptor, the compounds according to the invention are useful as a medicine, in particular in the prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of tachykinin-mediated conditions. In particular are compounds according to the invention are useful as orally active, centrally penetrating medicines in the prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of tachykinin-mediated conditions.

More in particular, it has been found that some compounds exhibit a combined NK₁/NK₃ antagonistic activity or a combined NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ antagonistic activity as can be seen from the Table in the experimental section.

The invention therefore relates to a compound according to the general Formula (I), the pharmaceutically acceptable acid or base addition salts thereof, the stereochemically isomeric forms thereof, the N-oxide form thereof and prodrugs thereof, for use as a medicine.

The invention also relates to the use of a compound according to any one of claims 1-3 for the manufacture of a medicament for treating, either prophylactic or therapeutic or both, tachykinin mediated conditions.

The compounds according to the invention are useful in the treatment of CNS disorders, in particular schizoaffective disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, stress-related disorders, sleep disorders, cognitive disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, addiction disorders, mood disorders, sexual dysfunction, pain and other CNS-related conditions; inflammation; allergic disorders; emesis; gastrointestinal disorders, in particular irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); skin disorders; vasospastic diseases; fibrosing and collagen diseases; disorders related to immune enhancement or suppression and rheumatic diseases and body weight control.

In particular, the compounds according to the invention are useful in the treatment or prevention of schizoaffective disorders resulting from various causes, including schizoaffective disorders of the manic type, of the depressive type, of mixed type; paranoid, disorganized, catatonic, undifferentiated and residual schizophrenia; schizophreniform disorder; delusional disorder; brief psychotic disorder; shared psychotic disorder; substance-induced psychotic disorder; and psychotic disorder not otherwise specified.

In particular, the compounds according to the invention are useful in the treatment or prevention of depression including but not limited to major depressive disorders including bipolar depression; unipolar depression; single or recurrent major depressive episodes with or without psychotic features, catatonic features, melancholic features, atypical features or postpartum onset, and, in the case of recurrent episodes, with or without seasonal pattern. Other mood disorders encompassed within the term “major depressive disorder” include dysthymic disorder with early or late onset and with or without atypical features, bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, cyclothymic disorder, recurrent brief depressive disorder, mixed affective disorder, neurotic depression, post traumatic stress disorder and social phobia; dementia of the Alzheimer's type with early or late onset, with depressed mood; vascular dementia with depressed mood; substance-induced mood disorders such as mood disorders induced by alcohol, amphetamines, cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants, opioids, phencyclidine, sedatives, hypnotics, anxiolytics and other substances; schizoaffective disorder of the depressed type; and adjustment disorder with depressed mood. Major depressive disorders may also result from a general medical condition including, but not limited to, myocardial infarction, diabetes, miscarriage or abortion, etc.

In particular, the compounds according to the invention are useful in the treatment or prevention of anxiety disorders including but not limited to panic attack; agoraphobia; panic disorder without agoraphobia; agoraphobia without history of panic disorder; specific phobia; social phobia; obsessive-compulsive disorder; post-traumatic stress disorder; acute stress disorder; generalized anxiety disorder; anxiety disorder due to a general medical condition; substance-induced anxiety disorder; and anxiety disorder not otherwise specified.

In particular, the compounds according to the invention are useful in the treatment or prevention of stress-related disorders associated with depression and/or anxiety, including but not limited to acute stress reaction; adjustment disorders, such as brief depressive reaction, prolonged depressive reaction, mixed anxiety and depressive reaction, adjustment disorder with predominant disturbance of other emotions, adjustment disorder with predominant disturbance of conduct, adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct and adjustment disorders with other specified predominant symptoms; and other reactions to severe stress.

In particular, the compounds according to the invention are useful in the treatment or prevention of sleep disorders, including but not limited to dysomnia and/or parasomnias as primary sleep disorders; insomnia; sleep apnea; narcolepsy; circadian rhythms disorders; sleep disorders related to another mental disorder; sleep disorder due to a general medical condition; and substance-induced sleep disorder.

In particular, the compounds according to the invention are useful in the treatment or prevention of cognitive disorders including but not limited to dementia; amnesic disorders and cognitive disorders not otherwise specified, especially dementia caused by degenerative disorders, lesions, trauma, infections, vascular disorders, toxins, anoxia, vitamin deficiency or endocrinic disorders; dementia of the Alzheimer's type, with early or late onset, with depressed mood; AIDS-associated dementia or amnesic disorders caused by alcohol or other causes of thiamin deficiency, bilateral temporal lobe damage due to Herpes simplex encephalitis and other limbic encephalitis, neuronal loss secondary to anoxia/hypoglycemia/severe convulsions and surgery, degenerative disorders, vascular disorders or pathology around ventricle III. Furthermore, the compounds according to the invention are also useful as memory and/or cognition enhancers in healthy humans with no cognitive and/or memory deficit.

In particular, the compounds according to the invention are useful in the treatment or prevention of personality disorders, including but not limited to paranoid personality disorder; schizoid personality disorder; schizotypical personality disorder; antisocial personality disorder; borderline personality disorder; histrionic personality disorder; narcissistic personality disorder; avoidant personality disorder; dependent personality disorder; obsessive-compulsive personality disorder and personality disorder not otherwise specified.

In particular, the compounds according to the invention are also useful in the treatment or prevention of eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa; atypical anorexia nervosa; bulimia nervosa; atypical bulimia nervosa; overeating associated with other psychological disturbances; vomiting associated with other psychological disturbances; and non-specified eating disorders.

In particular, the compounds according to the invention are also useful in the treatment or prevention of neurodegenerative diseases, including but not limited to Alzheimer's disease; Huntington's chorea; Creutzfeld-Jacob disease; Pick's disease; demyelinating disorders, such as multiple sclerosis and ALS; other neuropathies and neuralgia; multiple sclerosis; amyotropical lateral sclerosis; stroke and head trauma.

In particular, the compounds according to the invention are also useful in the treatment or prevention of addiction disorders including but not limited to substance dependence or abuse with or without physiological dependence, particularly where the substance is alcohol, amphetamines, amphetamine-like substances, caffeine, cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants, nicotine, opioids (such as cannabis, heroin and morphine), phencyclidine, phencyclidine-like compounds, sedative-hypnotics, benzodiazepines and/or other substances, particularly useful for treating withdrawal from the above substances and alcohol withdrawal delirium.

In particular, the compounds according to the invention are also useful in the treatment or prevention of mood disorders induced particularly by alcohol, amphetamines, caffeine, cannabis, cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants, nicotine, opioids, phencyclidine, sedatives, hypnotics, anxiolytics and other substances.

In particular, the compounds according to the invention are also useful in the treatment or prevention of sexual dysfunction, including but not limited to sexual desire disorders; sexual arousal disorders; orgasmic disorders; sexual pain disorders; sexual dysfunction due to a general medical condition; substance-induced sexual dysfunction and sexual dysfunction not otherwise specified.

In particular, the compounds according to the invention are also useful in the treatment or prevention of pain including but not limited to traumatic pain such as postoperative pain; traumatic avulsion pain such as brachial plexus; chronic pain such as arthritic pain such as occurring in osteo-rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis; neuropathic pain such as post-herpetic neuralgia, trigerminal neuralgia, segmental or intercostal neuralgia, fibromyalgia, causalgia, peripheral neuropathy, diabetic neuropathy, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, AIDS related neuropathy, occipital neuralgia, geniculate neuralgia, glossopharyngeal neuralgia, reflex sympathetic dystrophy and phantom limb pain; various forms of headache such as migraine, acute or chronic tension headache, temporomandibular pain, maxillary sinus pain and cluster headache; odontalgia; cancer pain; visceral pain; gastrointestinal pain; nerve entrapment pain; sport's injury pain; dysmennorrhoea; menstrual pain; meningitis; arachnoiditis; musculoskeletal pain; low back pain such as spinal stenosis, prolapsed disc, sciatica, angina, ankylosing spondyolitis; gout; bums; scar pain; itch; and thalamic pain such as post stroke thalamic pain.

In particular, the compounds according to the invention are also useful in the treatment or prevention of the following other CNS-related conditions: akinesia, akinetic-rigid syndromes, dyskinesia and medication-induced parionism, Gilles de la Tourette syndrome and its symptoms, tremor, chorea, myoclonus, tics and dystonia, attention-deficit /hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Parkinson's disease, drug-induced Parkinsonism, post-encephalitic Parkinsonism, progressive supranuclear palsy, multiple system atrophy, corticobasal degeneration, parkinsonism-ALS dementia complex and basal ganglia calcification, behavioral disturbances and conduct disorders in dementia and the mentally retarded, including restlessness and agitation, extra-pyramidal movement disorders, Down's syndrome and Akathisia.

In particular, the compounds according to the invention are also useful in the treatment or prevention of inflammation, including but not limited to inflammatory conditions in asthma, influenza, chronic bronchitis and rheumatoid arthritis; inflammatory conditions in the gastrointestinal tract such as, but not limited to Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug induced damage; inflammatory conditions of the skin such as herpes and eczema; inflammatory conditions of the bladder such as cystitis and urge incontinence; eye and dental inflammation and pancreatitis, in particular chronic and acute pancreatitis.

In particular, the compounds according to the invention are also useful in the treatment or prevention of allergic disorders, including but not limited to allergic disorders of the skin such as but not limited to urticaria; and allergic disorders of the airways such as but not limited to rhinitis.

In particular, the compounds according to the invention are also useful in the treatment or prevention of emesis, i.e. nausea, retching and vomiting, including but not limited to acute emesis, delayed emesis and anticipatory emesis; emesis induced by drugs such as cancer chemotherapeutic agents such as alkylating agents, for example cyclophosphamide, carmustine, lomustine and chlorambucil; cytotoxic antibiotics, for example dactinomycin, doxorubicin, mitomycin-C and bleomycin; anti-metabolites, for example cytarabine, methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil; vinca alkaloids, for example etoposide, vinblastine and vincristine; and other drugs such as cisplatin, dacarbazine, procarbazine and hydroxyurea; and combinations thereof; radiation sickness; radiation therapy, such as in the treatment of cancer; poisons; toxins such as toxins caused by metabolic disorders or by infection, such as gastritis, or released during bacterial or viral gastrointestinal infection; pregnancy; vestibular disorders, such as motion sickness, vertigo, dizziness and Meniere's disease; post-operative sickness; gastrointestinal obstruction; reduced gastrointestinal motility; visceral pain, such as myocardial infarction or peritonitis; migraine; increased intracranial pressure; decreased intracranial pressure (such as altitude sickness); opioid analgesics, such as morphine; gastro-oesophageal reflux disease; acid indigestion; over-indulgence of food or drink; acid stomach; sour stomach; waterbrash/regurgitation; heartburn, such as episodic heartburn, nocturnal heartburn and meal induced heartburn; and dyspepsia.

In particular, the compounds according to the invention are also useful in the treatment or prevention of gastrointestinal disorders, including but not limited to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), skin disorders such as psoriasis, pruritis and sunburn; vasospastic diseases such as angina, vascular headache and Reynaud's disease, cerebral ischaemia such as cerebral vasospasm following subarachnoid haemorrhage; fibrosing and collagen diseases such as scleroderma and eosinophilic fascioliasis; disorders related to immune enhancement or suppression such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatic diseases such as fibrositis; cough; and body weight control, including obesity.

The present invention also relates to a method for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of tachykinin-mediated diseases, in particular for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of schizophrenia, depression, anxiety disorders, emesis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) comprising administering to a human in need of such administration an effective amount of a compound according to the invention, in particular according to Formula (I), the pharmaceutically acceptable acid or base addition salts thereof, the stereochemically isomeric forms thereof the N-oxide form thereof, as well as the pro-drugs thereof.

The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and, as active ingredient, a therapeutically effective amount of a compound according to the invention, in particular a compound according to Formula (I), the pharmaceutically acceptable acid or base addition salts thereof, the stereochemically isomeric forms thereof, the N-oxide form thereof and a prodrug thereof

The compounds according to the invention, in particular the compounds according to Formula (I), the pharmaceutically acceptable acid or base addition salts thereof, the stereochemically isomeric forms thereof, the N-oxide form thereof and the prodrugs thereof, or any subgroup or combination thereof may be formulated into various pharmaceutical forms for administration purposes. As appropriate compositions there may be cited all compositions usually employed for systemically administering drugs. To prepare the pharmaceutical compositions of this invention, an effective amount of the particular compound, optionally in addition salt form, as the active ingredient is combined in intimate admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, which carrier may take a wide variety of forms depending on the form of preparation desired for administration. These pharmaceutical compositions are desirable in unitary dosage form suitable, in particular, for administration orally, rectally, percutaneously, by parenteral injection or by inhalation. For example, in preparing the compositions in oral dosage form, any of the usual pharmaceutical media may be employed such as, for example, water, glycols, oils, alcohols and the like in the case of oral liquid preparations such as suspensions, syrups, elixirs, emulsions and solutions; or solid carriers such as starches, sugars, kaolin, diluents, lubricants, binders, disintegrating agents and the like in the case of powders, pills, capsules and tablets. Because of their ease in administration, tablets and capsules represent the most advantageous oral dosage unit forms in which case solid pharmaceutical carriers are obviously employed. For parenteral compositions, the carrier will usually comprise sterile water, at least in large part, though other ingredients, for example, to aid solubility, may be included. Injectable solutions, for example, may be prepared in which the carrier comprises saline solution, glucose solution or a mixture of saline and glucose solution. Injectable suspensions may also be prepared in which case appropriate liquid carriers, suspending agents and the like may be employed. Also included are solid form preparations that are intended to be converted, shortly before use, to liquid form preparations. In the compositions suitable for percutaneous administration, the carrier optionally comprises a penetration enhancing agent and/or a suitable wetting agent, optionally combined with suitable additives of any nature in minor proportions, which additives do not introduce a significant deleterious effect on the skin. Said additives may facilitate the administration to the skin and/or may be helpful for preparing the desired compositions. These compositions may be administered in various ways, e.g., as a transdermal patch, as a spot-on, as an ointment.

It is especially advantageous to formulate the aforementioned pharmaceutical compositions in unit dosage form for ease of administration and uniformity of dosage. Unit dosage form as used herein refers to physically discrete units suitable as unitary dosages, each unit containing a predetermined quantity of active ingredient calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect in association with the required pharmaceutical carrier. Examples of such unit dosage forms are tablets (including scored or coated tablets), capsules, pills, powder packets, wafers, suppositories, injectable solutions or suspensions and the like, and segregated multiples thereof.

Since the compounds according to the invention are potent orally, mainly centrally active NK₁, NK₁/NK₃ and NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ antagonists, pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds for administration orally are especially advantageous.

Synthesis

The compounds according to the invention can generally be prepared by a succession of steps, each of which is known to the skilled person.

The final compounds of Formula (I) are conveniently prepared by reductively N-alkylating an intermediate compound of Formula (II) with an intermediate compound of Formula (III) . Said reductive N-alkylation may be performed in a reaction-inert solvent such as, for example, dichloromethane, ethanol or toluene or a mixture thereof, and in the presence of an appropriate reducing agent such as, for example, a borohydride, e.g. sodium borohydride, sodium cyanoborohydride or triacetoxy borohydride. In case a borohydride is used as a reducing agent, it may be convenient to use a complex-forming agent such as, for example, titanium(IV)isopropylate as described in J. Org. Chem., 1990, 55, 2552-2554. Using said complex-forming agent may also result in an improved cis/trans ratio in favour of the trans isomer. It may also be convenient to use hydrogen as a reducing agent in combination with a suitable catalyst such as, for example, palladium-on-charcoal or platinum-on-charcoal. In case hydrogen is used as reducing agent, it may be advantageous to add a dehydrating agent to the reaction mixture such as, for example, aluminium tert-butoxide. In order to prevent the undesired further hydrogenation of certain functional groups in the reactants and the reaction products, it may also be advantageous to add an appropriate catalyst-poison to the reaction mixture, e.g., thiophene or quinoline-sulphur. Stirring and optionally elevated temperatures and/or pressure may enhance the rate of the reaction.

In this and the following preparations, the reaction products may be isolated from the reaction medium and, if necessary, further purified according to methodologies generally known in the art such as, for example, extraction, crystallization, trituration and chromatography.

Especially advantageous is the preparation of a final compound according to Formula (I) according to the previously mentioned reaction scheme in which the Alk-Y-Alk-L-moiety is benzyl, thus giving rise to a compound according to Formula (I) in which the Alk-Y-Alk-L-moiety is benzyl. Said final compound is pharmacologically active and can be converted into a final compound according to the invention in which the Alk-Y-Alk-L-moiety is hydrogen by reductive hydrogenation using e.g. hydrogen as a reducing agent in combination with a suitable catalyst such as, for example, palladium-on-charcoal or platinum-on-charcoal. The resulting final compound according to the invention can then be converted into other compounds according to Formula (I) by art-known transformations, e.g. acylation and alkylation.

In particular, the final compounds of Formula (I^(a)) can be prepared by reacting a final compound of Formula (I′) with an intermediate compound of Formula (V) wherein W¹ is an appropriate leaving group such as, for example, a halogen, e.g. chloro or bromo, or a sulfonyloxy leaving group, e.g. methanesulfonyloxy or benzenesulfonyloxy. The reaction can be performed in a reaction-inert solvent such as, for example, a chlorinated hydrocarbon, e.g. dichloromethane or a ketone, e.g. methyl isobutylketone, and in the presence of a suitable base such as, for example, sodium carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate or triethylamine. Stirring may enhance the rate of the reaction. The reaction may conveniently be carried out at a temperature ranging between room temperature and reflux temperature.

Alternatively, the final compounds of Formula (I^(a)) can also be prepared by reacting a final compound of Formula (I′) with a carboxylic acid of Formula (VI). The reaction can be performed in a reaction-inert solvent such as, for example, a chlorinated hydrocarbon, e.g. dichloromethane, in the presence of a suitable base such as, for example, sodium carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate or triethylamine and in the presence of an activator, such as e.g. DCC (dicyclohexylcarbodiimide), CDI (carbonyldiimidazole) and EDCI (1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide.HCl). Stirring may enhance the rate of the reaction. The reaction may conveniently be carried out at a temperature ranging between room temperature and reflux temperature.

In particular, the final compounds of Formula (I^(b)) can be prepared by reacting a final compound of Formula (I′) with a compound of Formula (VII) wherein W² is an appropriate leaving group such as, for example, a halogen, e.g. chloro or bromo, or a sulfonyloxy leaving group, e.g. methanesulfonyloxy or benzenesulfonyloxy. The reaction can be performed in a reaction-inert solvent such as, for example, a chlorinated hydrocarbon, e.g. dichloromethane, an alcohol, e.g. ethanol, or a ketone, e.g. methyl isobutylketone, and in the presence of a suitable base such as, for example, sodium carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate or triethylamine. Stirring may enhance the rate of the reaction. The reaction may conveniently be carried out at a temperature ranging between room temperature and reflux temperature.

The final compounds of Formula (I^(c)) and Formula (I^(d)) can be prepared either by alkylation or reductive amination of a final compound of Formula (I′) with either a compound of Formula (VIII) or (IX) wherein W³ in Formula (VIII) is an appropriate leaving group such as, for example, a halogen, e.g. chloro or bromo, or a sulfonyloxy leaving group, e.g. methanesulfonyloxy or benzenesulfonyloxy and wherein All in Formula (I^(d)) is defined as —CH₂-Alk. The reaction can be performed in a reaction-inert solvent such as, for example, a chlorinated hydrocarbon, e.g. dichloromethane, an alcohol, e.g. ethanol, or a ketone, e.g. methyl isobutylketone, and in the presence of a suitable base such as, for example, sodium carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate or triethylamine. Stirring may enhance the rate of the reaction. The reaction may conveniently be carried out at a temperature ranging between room temperature and reflux temperature.

The starting materials and some of the intermediates are known compounds and are commercially available or may be prepared according to conventional reaction procedures generally known in the art. For example, intermediate compounds of Formula (II) may be prepared by reductively N-alkylating an intermediate compound of Formula (XI) with an intermediate compound of Formula (XII) in which W⁴ is a benzyl radical, after which the resulting compound is subsequently reduced to yield an intermediate compound according to Formula (II). Said reductive N-alkylation may be performed in a reaction-inert solvent such as, for example, dichloromethane, ethanol, toluene or a mixture thereof, and in the presence of an appropriate reducing agent such as, for example, a borohydride, e.g. sodium borohydride, sodium cyanoborohydride or triacetoxy borohydride. In case a borohydride is used as a reducing agent, it may be convenient to use a complex-forming agent such as, for example, titanium(IV)isopropylate as described in J. Org. Chem., 1990, 55, 2552-2554. Using said complex-forming agent may also result in an improved cis/trans ratio in favour of the trans isomer. It may also be convenient to use hydrogen as a reducing agent in combination with a suitable catalyst such as, for example, palladium-on-charcoal or platinum-on-charcoal. In case hydrogen is used as reducing agent, it may be advantageous to add a dehydrating agent to the reaction mixture such as, for example, aluminium tert-butoxide. In order to prevent the undesired further hydrogenation of certain functional groups in the reactants and the reaction products, it may also be advantageous to add an appropriate catalyst-poison to the reaction mixture, e.g., thiophene or quinoline-sulphur. Stirring and optionally elevated temperatures and/or pressure may enhance the rate of the reaction.

The preparation of intermediate compounds (XI) and (XII) and other intermediates is described in WO 97/16440-A1, published May. 9, 1997 by Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V., which is disclosed herein by reference as well as in other publications mentioned in WO 97/16440-A1, such as, e.g. EP-0,532,456-A.

The following examples are intended to illustrate but not to limit the scope of the present invention.

EXPERIMENTAL PART

Hereinafter “RT” means room temperature, “THF ” means tetrahydrofuran, “DIPE” means diisopropylether and “DMF” means N,N-dimethylformamide.

A. Preparation of the Intermediate Compounds

Example A1

a. Preparation of Intermediate Compound 1

Et₃N (0.55 mol) was added to a stirring mixture of 7-(phenylmethyl)-1,4-dioxa-8-azaspiro[4.5]decane (0.5 mol) in toluene (1500 ml). 3,5-Bis(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl chloride (0.5 mol) was added over a 1-hour period (exothermic reaction). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours, allowed to stand for the weekend and washed three times with water (500 ml, 2×250 ml). The organic layer was separated, dried, filtered and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 245 g (100%). Part of this fraction was crystallized from petroleum ether. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 1.06 g of intermediate compound 1.

b1. Preparation of Intermediate Compound 2

HCl cp (300 ml) was added to a mixture of intermediate compound 1 (0.5 mol) in ethanol (300 ml) and H₂O (300 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred at 60° C. for 20 hours. The precipitate was filtered off, ground, stirred in H₂O, filtered off, washed with petroleum ether and dried. Yield: 192 g of intermediate compound 2 ((+−)-1-[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]-2-(phenylmethyl)-4-piperidinone) (89.4%) (mixture of R and S enantiomers).

b2. Preparation of Intermediate Compound 10 and Intermediate Compound 11.

Intermediate compound 2 was separated into its optical isomers by chiral column chromatography over Chiralpak (CHIRALPAK AS 1000 Å 20 mm (DAICEL); eluent: hexane/2-propanol 70/30). Two product fractions were collected and each solvent was evaporated. Yield Fraction 1: 32.6 g of intermediate compound 10 (R), and Fraction 2: 30.4 g of intermediate compound 11 (S).

c. Preparation of Intermediate Compound 3

A mixture of intermediate compound 10 (0.046 mol), 1-(phenylmethyl)piperazine (0.051 mol) and Ti-isopropoxide (0.056 mol) was stirred for 2 hours at 40° C. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature. Ethanol, p.a. (350 ml) was added. NaBH₄(0.138 mol) was added. The resulting reaction mixture was stirred for one hour at room temperature and for one hour at 50° C. More NaBH₄ (5.2 g) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 2 hours at 50° C. Again, NaBH₄ was added and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature and for 2 hours at 50° C. Water (10 ml) was added. The mixture was stirred for 15 min. CH₂Cl₂ (200 ml) was added and the mixture was stirred for 15 min. The organic phase was separated, dried (MgSO₄), dicalite was added, the mixture was filtered over dicalite, and the filtrate was evaporated. This fraction was separated into (CIS) and (TRANS) by column chromatography over silica gel. The desired (TRANS)-fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated, giving 14.8 g of residue ((I), 1.06% (CIS)) and 4.9 g of residue ((II), 6% (CIS)). Resolution and purification of those (TRANS)-fractions (±20 g in total) was obtained by chromatography over stationary phase Chiralcel OD (1900 Gr) in Prochrom LC110 35 bar (eluent: hexane/ethanol 90/10). The desired fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 9.5 g of intermediate compound 3 (2R-trans)-1-[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]-2-(phenylmethyl)-4-[4-(phenyhmethyl)-1-piperazinyl]piperidine. It is without saying that the same reaction can be carried out on compound 11 for obtaining the S-isomer, as well as on any mixture of them. It is also without saying that also the cis-isomer can be used in all reactions in this application exemplified for the trans-isomer or for a mixture of cis and trans-isomers.

d. Preparation of Intermediate Compound 4

A mixture of intermediate compound 3 (0.288 mol) in methanol (700 ml) was hydrogenated at 40° C. with Pd/C, 10% (5 g) as a catalyst. After uptake of H₂ (1 eq.), the catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate was evaporated. Yield: 141.2 g of intermediate compound 4 (+)-(2R-trans)-1-[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]-2-(phenylmethyl)-4-(1-piperazinyl)piperidine.

Example A2

a. Preparation of Intermediate Compound 5

A mixture of final compound 1 (prepared according to B1a) (0.03 mol) in iPrOH (150 ml) and KOH (0.3 mol) was stirred and refluxed for 18 hours. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was taken up in CH₂Cl₂/H₂O. The layers were separated. The organic layer was dried and filtered. The solvent was evaporated and the residue purified by column chromatography over silica gel (gradient eluent: CH₂Cl₂/(MeOH/NH₃) 95/5 to 90/10). The product fractions were collected and the solvent evaporated. Yield: 12 g of intermediate compound 5.

b. Preparation of Intermediate Compound 6

A mixture of intermediate compound 5 (0.029 mol) in bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-dicarbonic acid ester (0.035 mol) was stirred 18 hours at room temperature. The solvent was evaporated for 30 minutes at 50-60° C. The residue was taken up in CH₂Cl₂/H₂O and NaOH. The organic layer was separated, washed with water, dried and the solvent evaporated. The residue was suspended in toluene and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 15.5 g of intermediate compound 6.

c. Preparation of Intermediate Compound 7

A mixture of intermediate compound 6 (0.03 mol), Pd/C, 10% (2 g), H₂ (1 eq) in methanol (250 ml) was stirred. After uptake of H₂ (1 eq.), the catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (gradient eluent: CH₂Cl₂/(MeOH/NH₃) 90/10 to 85/15). The product fractions were collected and suspended in petroleum ether, filtered and dried Yield: 11.6 g of intermediate compound 7.

d. Preparation of Intermediate Compound 8

A mixture of 3-furancarboxylic acid (0.033 mol) in CH₂Cl₂ (100 ml) and 1,1′-carbonylbis-1H-imidazole (0.033 mol) was stirred for 3 hours at room temperature. Intermediate compound 7 (0.027 mol) in CH₂Cl₂ (100 ml) was added and stirred overnight at room temperature. The reaction mixture was washed with aqueous NaOH, with H₂O, dried and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (gradient eluent: CH₂Cl₂/MeOH) 98/2 to 90/10). The product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was crystallized from DIPE. The solid was dried. Yield: 7.83 g of intermediate compound 8

e. Preparation of Intermediate Compound 9

iPrOH.HCl (3 ml) was added to a mixture of intermediate compound 8 (1 g) in iPrOH (30 ml). The mixture was stirred at 65° C. for 90 minutes. The solvent was evaporated. The residue was suspended in DIPE. The precipitate was filtered and washed with DIPE. Yield: 0.93 g of intermediate compound 9 (.HCl).

Example A3

a. Preparation of Intermediate Compound 12

A mixture of 6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[1,2-a]azepine (0.02 mol) and Et₃N (0.035 mol) in CH₃CN (50 ml) was stirred at room temperature and under N₂ flow. Chloro-oxo acetic acid ethyl ester (0.03 mol) was added dropwise at <10° C. Stirring was continued overnight. Water was added and the reaction mixture was extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄) , filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified over silica gel on a glass filter (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 98/2). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 2 g of intermediate compound 12 (42%).

b. Preparation of Intermediate Compound 13

A mixture of intermediate compound 12 (0.0084 mol) in 2-propanone (30 ml) was stirred, while cooling on an ice-bath. Excess Jones' reagent (prepared according to the method below) was added dropwise at room temperature. The reaction mixture was stirred for a while. Water (50 ml) was added and this mixture was alkalized with K₂CO₃. This mixture was evaporated. The residue was stirred in CH₃OH. The salts were removed by filtration over dicalite. The filtrate was evaporated. The residue was stirred in CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was decanted, dried (MgSO₄), filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified over silica gel on a glass filter (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 95/5). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (0.56 g) was stirred in DIPE, filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.32 g of intermediate compound 13 (25%).

Preparation of Jones' reagent: CrO₃ (26.72 g) was dissolved in H₂O (50 ml). H₂SO₄ (98%; 23 ml) was added dropwise, while cooling. Water was added until a total volume of 100 ml was obtained.

c. Preparation of Intermediate Compound 14

A mixture of intermediate compound 13 (0.0176 mol) in H₂O (10 ml) and HOAc (3 ml) was stirred at 50° C. NaNO₂ (1.35 g) was added portionwise over a 5 min. period and the mixture was stirred at 50° C. for 1 h. The mixture was cooled on an ice bath and filtered off. The precipitate was washed with ice water and dried in an desiccator. Yield: 1.25 g of intermediate compound 14 (35.8%).

d. Preparation of Intermediate Compound 15

A mixture of intermediate compound 14 (0.045 mol) in HOAc (90 ml) and acetic acid anhydride (9 ml) was stirred on an oil bath at 85° C. Acetylchloride (13.7 ml) was added dropwise over a 30 min. period and the mixture was stirred at 85° C. for 1 hour. The mixture was cooled, poured into ice/K₂CO₃ and extracted with CHCl₃. The organic layer was dried and evaporated. The residue was boiled up in CH₃CN and cooled. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 14.32 g of intermediate compound 15 (47.3%).

Example A4

a. Preparation of Intermediate Compound 16

NaH (0.086 mol) was added portionwise to a solution of 3-thiophene ethanol (0.078 mol) in THF at 5° C. The mixture was stirred for 1 hour at 5° C. Bu₄NI (0.001 mol) and (bromomethyl)benzene (0.080 mol) were added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours, taken up in H₂O and extracted with AcOEt. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄) and solvent was evaporated. The concentrate 1 (18 g) was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (gradient eluent: Cyclohexane/AcOEt 100/0 to 80/20). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 9.9 g intermediate compound 16 (58%).

b. Preparation of Intermediate Compound 17

To a solution of intermediate compound 16 (0.023 mol) in THF (50 ml) at −50° C., BuLi[1.6M] (0.025 mol) was added portionwise under N₂. The temperature was raised slowly to 0° C. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1 hour and cooled to −40° C. A solution of SO₂Cl₂ (0.046 mol) in pentane (50 ml) was added at −40° C. The mixture was stirred at −40° C. for 1 hour. The concentrate was hydrolyzed, extracted with AcOEt, washed with a saturated solution of NaCl, dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated, providing 9 g. The concentrate was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (gradient eluent: Cyclohexane/AcOEt 100/0 to 80/20). Yield 1.2 g of intermediate compound 17 (16%).

Example A5

a. Preparation of Intermediate Compound 18

NaH (60% in oil) (0.086 mol, 3.4 g) was added portionwise to a solution of 2-(2-thienyl)ethanol (0.078 mol, 10 g) in THF (150 ml) under N₂ flow at 5° C. The mixture was stirred at 5° C. during 1 hour. Tetrabutylammonium iodide (0.001 mol, 0.3 g) and (bromomethyl)benzene (0.080 mol, 9.5 ml) were added consecutively to the solution. The mixture was stirred at room temperature during 3 hours poured into water, extracted with ethyl acetate, dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated. The crude product (18 g) was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (gradient eluent: CH₂Cl₂/Cyclohexane 0/100 to 20/80) and the product fractions were concentrated. Yield: 11.4 g (66%) of intermediate compound 18.

b. Preparation of Intermediate Compound 19

n-BuLi (1.6 M) (0.015 mol, 9.45 ml) was added slowly to a solution of intermediate compound 18 (0.014 mol, 3 g) in THF (30 ml) under N₂ flow at −40° C. The reaction was allowed to warm up slowly to 0° C. and cooled to −70° C. Dry ice (˜2 g) was added. The temperature was slowly allowed to rise to room temperature. NaOH (1 mol per liter, 30 ml) was added, the mixture was washed with diethyl ether. The aqueous layer was acidified with HCl (1N) and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated to yield 2.6 g (71%) of intermediate compound 19.

Example A6

a. Preparation of Intermediate Compound 20

A mixture of 2-[(3,4-dichlorophenyl)methyl]-4-oxo-1-piperidinecarboxylic acid ethyl ester (0.3 mol), 1,2-ethanediol (1.5 mol) and 4-methylbenzenesulfonic acid (2 g) in toluene (750 ml) was stirred and refluxed for 68 hours using a water separator. The solvent was evaporated. The residue was partitioned between water and toluene. The organic layer was separated, washed with water, dried, filtered and the solvent evaporated. Yield: 113.5 g of intermediate compound 20.

b. Preparation of Intermediate Compound 21

A mixture of intermediate compound 20 (0.1 mol) and KOH (0.9 mol) in 2-propanol (500 ml) was stirred and refluxed overnight. The solvent was evaporated. The residue was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ and washed with a small amount of H₂O. The organic layer was dried, filtered and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 33 g of intermediate compound 21.

c. Preparation of Intermediate Compound 22

Intermediate compound 21 (0.139 mol) was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (420 ml). 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzoylchloride (0.15 mol) was added dropwise (exothermic). Et₃N (30 ml) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred for 2 hours at room temperature. The reaction mixture was washed with a basic NaOH solution, dried, filtered and the solvent evaporated. The residue was purified over silica gel on a glass filter (gradient eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH from 100/0 to 95/5). The product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was crystallized from DIPE, filtered off and dried. Yield: 56.3 g of fraction 1. The filtrate was evaporated. The residue was suspended in petroleum ether, filtered off and dried. Yield: 9 g of fraction 2. The total yield (65.3 g) of these fractions was separated and purified by chiral column chromatography (AD-packing, eluent: heptane/ethanol 95/5). Two product fraction groups were collected and their solvent was evaporated. Each residue was crystallized from DIPE, filtered off and dried. Yield: 23.9 g of intermediate compound 22 (optically pure).

d. Preparation of Intermediate Compound 23

A mixture of intermediate compound 22 (0.0424 mol) in HCl (6N) (230 ml) was stirred and refluxed for 4 hours. The reaction mixture was stirred overnight and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated, washed with water, dried and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 20 g of intermediate compound 23 (S-isomer).

Example A7

a. Preparation of Intermediate Compound 24, 25 and 26

A mixture of 1,1-dimethylethyl-1-pyrrolidinecarboxylic acid ester (0.2 mol) and 1-(phenylmethyl)piperazine (0.2 mol) in methanol (250 ml) was stirred and hydrogenated at 50° C. with Pd/C, 10% (3 g) as a catalyst in the presence of thiophene solution (3 ml). After uptake of H₂ (1 eq), the catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate was evaporated. Yield: intermediate compound 24 (racemic mixture). This fraction was separated and purified by column chromatography (DAICEL; AD-packing, 2000 g, 750 m/min; eluent: heptane/ethanol/methanol 90/5/5). Two product fraction groups were collected and their solvent was evaporated. Yield: 30 g of intermediate compound 25 (S-isomer) (ee: >99%), and 26 g of intermediate compound 26 (R-isomer) (ee: >99%).

b. Preparation of Intermediate Compound 27

A mixture of intermediate compound 26 (0.078 mol) in methanol (250 ml) was hydrogenated at room temperature with Pd/C 10% (2 g) as a catalyst. After uptake of H₂ (1 eq.), the catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was taken up in CH₂Cl₂ and washed with H₂O. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered off and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 16.3 g of intermediate compound 27 (82%) (R-isomer).

c. Preparation of Intermediate Compound 28

A solution of intermediate compound 27 (0.02 mol) in a small amount of CH₂Cl₂ was added to 3-phenyl-1-(phenylmethyl)-4-piperidinone (0.02 mol) and the mixture was stirred, toluene was added and the reaction mixture was evaporated. Titanium, tetrakis(2-propanolato) (0.025 mol) was added to the residual oil and the mixture was stirred for 3 hours at 50° C., EtOH, p.a. (30 ml) was added and the resulting mixture was stirred for 15 min. at room temperature. Finally NaBH₃CN (0.04 mol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 20 hours at room temperature. The mixture was washed with a basic NaOH solution and CH₂Cl₂ was added. The resulting mixture was stirred for 15 min. and after addition of dicalite the mixture was filtered over dicalite. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered off and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified over silica gel on a glass filter (gradient eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 100/0→90/10). The product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 6.4 g of intermediate 28.

d. Preparation of Intermediate Compound 29

A mixture of intermediate compound 28 (0.013 mol) in CH₃OH (150 ml) was hydrogenated at 50° C. with Pd/C 10% (2 g) as a catalyst. After uptake of H₂ (1 eq.), the catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (gradient eluent: CH₂Cl₂/(CH₃OH/NH₃) 100/0−>80/20). The product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 2 g of intermediate compound 29.

Example A8

Preparation of Intermediate Compound 30

The intermediate compound 30 was obtained by the same method as described in A7.b, but instead of intermediate compound 26 intermediate compound 25 was used.

B. Preparation of the Final Compounds

Example B1

a) Preparation of Final Compound 1

A mixture of (2R-trans) 1-[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]-2-(phenylmethyl)4-(1-piperazinyl)piperidine [intermediate compound 3] (0.05 mol) and 1-(phenylmethyl)-3-pyrrolidinone (0.05 mol) in methanol (250 ml) was hydrogenated at 50° C. with Pd/C 10% (3 g) as a catalyst in the presence of a thiophene solution (2 ml). After uptake of H₂ (1 eq.), the catalyst was filtered off and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (gradient eluent: CH₂Cl₂/MeOH 100/0; 99/1; 98/2; 96/4). The desired fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. This fraction was recrystallized from DIPE. The precipitate was filtered off, washed with DIPE and dried (vacuum; 50° C.). Yield: 16.8 g (49%) of final compound 1.

b) Preparation of Final Compound 2

Final compound 1 (0.022 mol) in methanol (250 ml) was hydrogenated with Pd/C 10% (2 g) as a catalyst. After uptake of H₂ (1 eq.), the catalyst was filtered off and the solvent was evaporated. This fraction was triturated under DIPE. The precipitate was filtered off, washed with DIPE and dried (vacuum; 50° C.; 3 days). Yield: 11.58 g (92%) of final compound 2.

Example B2

Preparation of Final Compound 3

A mixture of final compound 2 (0.0016 mol), benzoylchloride (0.0018 mol) and Et₃N (0.0018 mol) in CH₂Cl₂ (50 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. The reaction mixture was washed with aq. diluted NaOH solution. The separated organic layer was dried (MgSO₄), filtered and the solvent was evaporated. This fraction was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (gradient eluent: CH₂Cl₂/MeOH 100/0 to 90/10). The desired fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was dried (vacuum; 50° C.). Yield: 0.410 g of final compound 3.

Example B3

Preparation of Final Compound 80

A mixture of final compound 2 (0.0017 mol), methyl acrylate (0.0019 mol) in methanol (50 ml) was stirred overnight at room temperature. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (gradient eluent: CH₂Cl₂MeOH 100/0 to 90/10). The desired fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was dried (vacuum, 50° C.). Yield: 0.266 g of final compound 80.

Example B4

Preparation of Final Compound 5

A mixture of final compound 2 (0.003 mol), 2-chloropyrimidine (0.0033 mol) and Na₂CO₃ (0.004 mol) in ethanol p.a. (50 ml) was stirred and refluxed for 8 hours. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was taken up in H₂O/CH₂Cl₂. The layers were separated, the aqueous layer was extracted with CH₂Cl₂ and the organic layer was washed with H₂O, dried (MgSO₄) and filtered. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (gradient eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH from 100/0 to 90/10). The product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated Yield: 1.378 g of final compound 5.

Example B5

Preparation of Final Compound 79

A mixture of final compound 2 (0.002 mol), 3,5-dimethylisoxazole-4-sulfonylchloride (0.002 mol), Na₂CO₃ (0.005 mol) and CH₂Cl₂ (50 ml) was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent CH₂Cl₂/MeOH 95/5). The desired fractions were collected and the solvent evaporated. The residue was dried at 50° C. Yield: 0.98 g of final compound 79.

Example B6

Preparation of Final Compound 81

A mixture of intermediate compound 9 (prepared according to A2e) (0.0005 mol) in CH₂Cl₂ (25 ml), 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoylchloride (0.0006 mol) and Et₃N (1 ml) was stirred for 3 hours. The reaction mixture was washed with diluted NaOH during 30 minutes, washed with H₂O, dried and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (gradient eluent: CH₂Cl₂/MeOH 98/2; 90/10). The desired fractions were collected and the solvent evaporated. Yield: 0.114 g of final compound 81.

Example B7

Preparation of Final Compound 104

Final compound 2 was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (100 ml). Alpha-chlorobenzeneacetyl chloride (0.01 mol) was added and the mixture was stirred for 18 hours at room temperature. The reaction mixture was washed with aqueous Na₂CO₃. The organic layer was separated, dried and the solvent evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (gradient eluent: CH₂Cl₂/MeOH 100/0 to 90/10). The desired fractions were collected and the solvent evaporated. Yield: 6 g of final compound 104.

Example B8

Preparation of Final Compound 108

A mixture of final compound 104 (prepared according to B7) (0.001 mol) and pyrrolidine (0.5 g) was stirred overnight at a bath temperature of 85° C. The excess pyrrolidine was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (gradient eluent: CH₂Cl₂/MeOH 100/0 to 80/20). The desired fractions were collected and the solvent evaporated. Yield: 0.194 g of final compound 108.

Example B9

Preparation of Final Compound 109

Final compound 104 (prepared according to B7) (0.001 mol) was dissolved in methanol (5 ml). NaOCH₃ (0.002 mol) was added and the mixture was stirred and refluxed for 48 hours. After 24 hours of stirring and refluxing once more NaOCH₃ (0.002 mol) was added. The reaction mixture was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (gradient eluent: CH₂Cl₂/MeOH 100/0 to 90/10). The desired fractions were collected and the solvent evaporated. Yield: 0.310 g of final compound 109.

Example B10

Preparation of Final Compound 110

NaH (0.002 mol) was added to 2-methylimidazole (0.002 mol) in DMF (10 ml). To the mixture final compound 104 (prepared according to B7) (0.001 mol) diluted in DMF (5 ml) was added and stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. The mixture was stirred for 18 hours at a temperature of 100° C. The solvent was evaporated. The residue was taken up in H₂O/CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated, dried and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (gradient eluent: CH₂Cl₂/MeOH 100/0 to 80/20). The desired fractions were collected and the solvent evaporated. The residue was suspended in petroleum ether, filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.190 g of final compound 110.

Example B11

a. Preparation of Final Compound 230

Chloroacetyl chloride (0.01 mol) was added to a solution of final compound 2 (prepared according to B1.b) (0.01 mol) in CH₂Cl₂ (75 ml), Et₃N (3 ml) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 4 hours at room temperature. The mixture was washed with a basic NaOH solution, dried and the solvent was evaporated (<35° C.). DIPE was added and the solvent was evaporated again. Yield: 5 g of final compound 230 (77.5%)

b. Preparation of Final Compound 196

Final compound 230 (prepared according to B11.a) (0.001 mol) was taken up in pyrrolidine (1 ml) and the reaction mixture was stirred for 2 hours at 60° C., the solvent was evaporated and the residue was purified by column chromatography (gradient eluent: CH₂Cl₂/(CH₃OH/NH₃) 100/0-90/10). The product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.257 g of final compound 196.

Example B12

Preparation of Final Compound 209

NaH (0.001 mol) was added to a solution of 2-methylimidazole (0.001 mol) in DMF (20 ml) and the resulting mixture was stirred for 1 hour and warmed to 40° C. Final compound 230 (prepared according to B11.a) (0.001 mol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 18 hours at 50° C. The solvent was evaporated till dryness and the residue was taken up in CH₂Cl₂/H₂O. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered off and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (gradient eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 100/0-85/15). The product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.305 g of final compound 209.

Example B13

Preparation of Final Compound 207

Final compound 230 (prepared according to B11.a) (0.001 mol) and Na₂CO₃ (0.5 g) were added to a mixture of 2-aminobenzenemethanol (0.001 mol) in DMF (20 ml) and the reaction mixture was stirred for 18 hours at 50° C. The solvent was evaporated till dryness and the residue was taken up in CH₂Cl₂/H₂O. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered off and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (gradient eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 100/0-85/15). The desired product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.043 g of final compound 207.

Example B14

a. Preparation of Final Compound 206

1-Hydroxy-1H-benzotriazole (0.004 mol) and Et₃N (0.004 mol) were added to a solution of 1-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1,2-piperidinedicarboxylic acid ester (0.004 mol) in CH₂Cl₂, p.a. (50 ml) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature, N′-(ethylcarbonimidoyl)-N,N-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine (0.004 mol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 10 min. at room temperature. A mixture of final compound 2 (prepared according to B1.b) (0.003 mol) in CH₂Cl₂, p.a. (20 ml) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. The mixture was washed with H₂O/NaHCO₃ and with H₂O. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered off and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (gradient eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 100/0-80/20). The product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 1.3 g of final compound 206.

b. Preparation of Final Compound 294

2-propanol/HCl (3 ml) was added to a solution of final compound 206 (prepared according to B14.a) (0.0017 mol) in 2-propanol (30 ml) and the reaction mixture was stirred and refluxed for 2 hours. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was suspended in DIPE. The resulting precipitate was filtered off, taken up in H₂O and washed with DIPE. The aqueous layer was alkalised and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered off and the solvent was evaporated till dryness. Yield: 1.0 g of final compound 294.

c. Preparation of Final Compound 295

2-Chlorobenzoyl chloride (0.0004 mol) was added to a solution of final compound 294 (prepared according to B14.b) (0.0004 mol) in CH₂Cl₂, p.a. (15 ml), Na₂CO₃ (0.3 g) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight. The crude mixture was filtered over silica gel (gradient eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 100/0-90/10). The product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated and the residue was dried. Yield: 0.250 g of final compound 295.

Example B15

Preparation of Final Compound 167

2,2-Dimethylpropanoyl chloride (0.001 mol) and Na₂CO₃ (0.5 g) were added to a solution of final compound 2 (prepared according to B1.b) (0.001 mol) in CH₂Cl₂ (25 ml) and the reaction mixture was stirred for 2 hours. The mixture was filtered over a glass filter (gradient eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 100/0-90/10). The product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated and the residue was dried. Yield: 0.448 g of final compound 167.

Example B16

a. Preparation of Final Compound 216

CH₂Cl₂ (50 ml) was added to tetrahydro-3-furancarboxylic acid (0.0012 mol) and 1,1′-carbonylbis-1H-imidazole (0.0012 mol) was added. The mixture was stirred for 45 min. at 40° C. and stirred for 3 hours at room temperature. Final compound 2 (0.001 mol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. The mixture was washed with a basic NaOH solution, the organic layer was separated, washed with H₂O, dried (MgSO₄), filtered off and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (gradient eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 100/0-80/20). The product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated and the residue was dried. Yield: 0.480 g of final compound 216.

b. Preparation of Final Compound 195

2-Cyanobenzoic acid (0.001 mol) was taken up in CH₂Cl₂ (30 ml) and 1,1′-carbonylbis-1H-imidazole (0.001 mol) was added. The resulting mixture was stirred for 2 hours at 40° C. and was cooled to room temperature. Final compound 2 (prepared according to B1.b) (0.001 mol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature and was left to stand over the weekend. The mixture was washed with a basic NaOH solution, the organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered off and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was filtered over silica gel (gradient eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 100/0-90/10). The product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated and the residue was dried. Yield: 0.272 g of final compound 195.

Example B17

Preparation of Final Compound 203

Trifluoromethanecarbonic acid anhydride (0.001 mol) and Na₂CO₃ (0.5 g) were added to a solution of final compound 2 (prepared according to B1.b) (0.001 mol) in CH₂Cl₂ (15 ml) and the reaction mixture was stirred for 2 hours. The mixture was filtered on a glass filter over silica gel (gradient eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 100/0-90/10.) The product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated and the residue was dried. Yield: 0.276 g of final compound 203.

Example B18

Preparation of Final Compound 166

A mixture of 4-[(acetyloxy)methyl]-1,2,3-thiadiazole-5-carboxylic acid methyl ester (0.002 mol) and final compound 2 (prepared according to B1.b) (0.004 mol) in CH₃OH (25 ml) was stirred over the weekend at room temperature and the reaction mixture was filtered over silica gel (gradient eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 100/0-90/10). The product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated and the residue was dried. Yield: 0.600 g of final compound 166.

Example B19

Preparation of Final Compound 375

A mixture of final compound 2 (prepared according to B1.b) (0.001 mol), intermediate compound 15 (prepared according to A3.d) (0.001 mol) and titanium, tetrakis(2-propanolato) (1 ml) in CH₃OH (50 ml) was hydrogenated at 50° C. with Pd/C 10% (0.1 g) as a catalyst in the presence of thiophene soln. (0.1 ml). After uptake of H₂ (1 eq.), the catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was taken up in H₂O/CH₂Cl₂, dicalite was added and the resulting mixture was filtered over dicalite. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered off and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (gradient eluent: CH₂Cl₂/(CH₃OH/NH₃) 99/1-80/20). The product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated and the residue was dried. Yield: 0.017 g of final compound 375.

Example B20

a. Preparation of Final Compound 205

1-Hydroxy-1H-benzotriazole (0.004 mol) and Et₃N (0.004 mol) were added to a solution of N-[(1,1-dimethylethoxy)carbonyl]-2-methylalanine (0.004 mol) in CH₂Cl₂ (50 ml) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature, N′-(ethylcarbonimidoyl)-N,N-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine (0.004 mol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 10 min. at room temperature. A mixture of final compound 2 (prepared according to B1.b) (0.003 mol) in CH₂Cl₂ (20 ml) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. The mixture was washed with H₂O/NaHCO₃ and with H₂O. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered off and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (gradient eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 100/0-80/20). The product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.414 g of final compound 205.

b. Preparation of Final Compound 304

50% NaH (0.0015 mol) was added to a solution of final compound 205 (prepared according to B20.a) (0.0013 mol) in DMF p.a. (25 ml) and the resulting mixture was slowly (35 min.) heated to 45° C. CH₃I (0.0015 mol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 4 hours at 50° C. and stirred overnight at room temperature. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was taken up in H₂O and the mixture was extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated, dried (over MgSO₄), filtered off and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (gradient eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 100/0-90/10). The product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated and the residue was dried. Yield: 0.47 g of final compound 304.

c. Preparation of Final Compound 309

2-Propanol/HCl (2 ml) was added to a solution of final compound 304 (prepared according to B20.b) (0.00061 mol) in 2-propanol (20 ml) and the reaction mixture was stirred and refluxed for 90 min. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was taken up in H₂O and washed with DIPE. The aqueous layer was alkalised and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered off and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.320 g of final compound 309.

d. Preparation of Final Compound 310

Cyclopropanecarbonyl chloride (0.0005 mol) was added to a solution of final compound 309 (prepared according to B20.c) (0.00048 mol) in CH₂Cl₂ (20 ml), Na₂CO₃ (0.5 g) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 2 hours at room temperature. The crude mixture was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (gradient eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 100/0-90/10). The desired product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated and the residue was dried. Yield: 0.080 g of final compound 310.

Example B21

Preparation of Final Compound 147

CH₂Cl₂ (10 ml) was added to intermediate compound 9 (prepared according to A2.e) (0.000177 mol) and the mixture was stirred to give solution (I). Solution (I) (10 ml) was added to (RS) 2,3-dihydro-1H-indene-1-carboxylic acid (0.000266 mol),

(Novabiochem 01-64-0211) (0.000531 mol; 1.90 mmol/g) and 1-hydroxy-1H-benzotriazole (0.000407 mol) and the reaction mixture was stirred for 16 hours at room temperature.

(Novabiochem 01-64-0419) (0.001221 mol; 5.80 mmol/g) and

(PS-TsCl) (0.000266 mol; 1.97 mmol/g) were added and the mixture was stirred for 16 hours at room temperature. The scavengers were filtered off and the filtrate was evaporated. Yielding final compound 147.

Example B22

a. Preparation of Final Compound 130

A mixture of final compound 2 (prepared according to B1.b) (0.002 mol) in CH₂Cl₂, p.a. (50 ml) was stirred at room temperature. A solution of bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)dicarbonic acid ester (0.002 mol) in CH₂Cl₂ was added dropwise and the reaction mixture was stirred for 1 hour at room temperature. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (gradient eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH from 100/0 to 90/10). The product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 1.039 g of final compound 130 (78%).

b. Preparation of Final Compound 150 and 151

A mixture of intermediate compound 4 (prepared according to A1.d) (0.15 mol) and 1,1-dimethylethyl-1-pyrrolidinecarboxylic acid ester (0.165 mol) in CH₃OH (500 ml) was hydrogenated overnight at 50° C. with Pd/C 10% (5 g) as a catalyst in the presence of thiophene (4 ml). After uptake of H₂ (1 equiv.), the catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was crystallised from DIPE, the resulting precipitate was filtered off, giving solid S and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (gradient eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH from 100/0 to 95/5) The product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. This residue and solid S were combined. This fraction was separated into its enantiomers by Chiral separation (AD, eluent: Hexane/2-propanol 90/10). Two product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield fraction 1: 46 g of final compound 150 ([2R-[2α,4β(S*)]]) (46%) and yield fraction 2: 39 g of final compound 151 ([2R-[2α,4β(R*)]]) (39%)

Example B23

Preparation of Final Compound 349

A mixture of final compound 2 (prepared according to B1.b) (0.001 mol, 0.5 g), 1,4-dioxane-2,5-diol (0.001 mol, 0.113 g) and 3-thiophene boronic acid (0.001 mol, 0.106 g) in ethanol (5 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 18 hours . This was followed by addition of solution of K₂CO₃ (10%) and extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic layers were dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated under vacuum. The residue (0.6 g) was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/MeOH/NH₄OH 93/07/0.5) and the product fractions were concentrated. Yield: 0.075 g (12%) of final compound 349.

Example B24

a. Preparation of Final Compound 335

Intermediate compound 17 (prepared according to A4.b) (0.002 mol, 0.67 g) was added portionwise to a solution of final compound 2 (prepared according to B 1.b) (0.002 mol, 1.0 g) in CH₂Cl₂ at room temperature. The mixture was stirred at room temperature during 18 hours, washed with K₂CO₃ (10%), dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated. The crude product (1.5 g) was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/MeOH 98/2) and the product fractions were concentrated. Yield: 1.1 g (73%) of final compound 335.

b. Preparation of Final Compound 342

BBr₃ (1M in CH₂Cl₂) (0.004 mol, 3.6 ml) was slowly added to a mixture of final compound 335 (prepared according to B24.a) (0.001 mol, 0.6 g) in CH₂Cl₂ (6 ml) at −70° C. under N₂ flow. The reaction was allowed to warm up slowly to −50° C. and stirred at −50° C. during 1 hour. The mixture was hydrolyzed with K₂CO₃ (10%), extracted with CH₂Cl₂, dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated. The crude product (0.65 g) was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (gradient eluent: CH₂Cl₂/MeOH/NH₄OH 96/4/0.1 to 92/8/0.5) and the product fractions were concentrated. Yield: 0.113 g of final compound 342 (21%).

Example B25

a. Preparation of Final Compound 356

1-(3-Dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide.hydrochloride (0.002 mol, 0.33 g) was added portionwise to a solution of final compound 2 (prepared according to B1.b) (0.002 mol, 1 g), intermediate compound 19 (prepared according to A5.b) (0.002 mol, 0.56 g), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (0.002 mol, 0.29 g) and triethylamine (0.003 mol, 0.37 ml) in CH₂Cl₂ (10 ml) at room temperature. The mixture was stirred at room temperature during 18 hours, washed with K₂CO₃ 10%, dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated. The crude product (1.65 g) was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/MeOH/NH₄OH 96/4/0.5) and the product fractions were concentrated. Yield: 0.62 g (43%) of final compound 356.

b. Preparation of Final Compound 359

The same procedure as described in Example B24.b but instead of the use of final compound 334 (prepared according to B24.a), final compound 356 (prepared according to B25.a) was used.

Example B26

Preparation of Final Compound 344

A mixture of dimethyl-N-cyanodithioiminocarbonate (1 g; 6.8 mmol) and isopropylamine (0.6 ml; 6.8 mmol) in acetonitrile (10 ml) was heated under reflux for 5 hours. After cooling the solution to −10° C., final compound 2 (prepared according to B1.b) (3.87 g; 6.8 mmol) and 3N sodium hydroxide solution (2.3 ml; 6.8 mmol) were added. The mixture was stirred for 5 minutes and a solution of silver nitrate (1.16 g; 6.8 mmol) in acetonitrile (5 ml) was added dropwise. The reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 2 hours and at room temperature for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was filtered and the residue washed with acetonitrile. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (15-40 mm, eluent: CH₂Cl₂/MeOH/NH₄OH 95/5/0.5). The pure fractions were collected and evaporated. Yield: 1.9 g of final compound 344 (41%).

Example B27

Preparation of Final Compound 301

Dimethyl-N-cyanodithioiminocarbonate (0.001 mol) was added to a mixture of final compound 2 (prepared according to B1.b) (0.0009 mol) in iPrOH (25 ml). The mixture was stirred and refluxed for 20 hours. H₂O was added. The mixture was extracted with EtOAc. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (0.52 g) was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH/NH₄OH 97/3/0.1). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.27 g of final compound 301.

Example B28

Preparation of Final Compound 354

A mixture of 1,1-bis(methylthio)-2-nitroethylene (0.15 g; 0.9 mmol) and isopropylamine (0.08 ml; 0.9 mmol) in acetonitrile (5 ml) was heated under reflux overnight. After cooling the solution to −10° C., final compound 2 (prepared according to B1.b) (0.512 g; 0.9 mmol) and 3N NaOH solution (0.9 ml; 0.9 mmol) were added. The mixture was stirred for 5 minutes and a solution of silver nitrate (0.16 g; 0.9 mmol) in acetonitrile (5 ml) was added dropwise. The reaction mixture was stirred for 2 hours at 0° C., and stirred overnight at room temperature. The solution was filtered and the residue washed with acetonitrile. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (Kromasil 10 mm, eluent: CH₂Cl₂/MeOH/NH₄OH 96/4/0.1). The pure fractions were collected and evaporated. Yield: 0.267 g of final compound 354 (43%).

Example B29

a. Preparation of Final Compound 383

A mixture of final compound 2 (prepared according to B1.b) (2 g; 3.5 mmol) and 2-chloromethyloxirane (0.70 ml; 8.9 mmol) in methanol (20 ml) was stirred at room temperature overnight. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was taken up in methylene chloride. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (15-40 mm, eluent: CH₂Cl₂/MeOH/NH₄OH 92/8/0.5). The pure fractions were collected and evaporated. Yield: 0.23 g of final compound 383 (10%).

b. Preparation of Final Compound 384

A mixture of final compound 383 (0.230 g; 0.35 mmol), isopropylamine (0.033 ml; 0.38 mmol) and potassium carbonate (0.072 g; 0.52 mmol) in acetonitrile (5 ml) were heated under reflux overnight. The reaction mixture was filtered and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.225 g of final compound 384 (95%).

c. Preparation of Final Compound 385

A mixture of final compound 384 (0.220 g; 0.29 mmol) and 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole (0.071 g; 0.44 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (10 ml) was stirred at room temperature overnight. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (Kromasil 10 mm, eluent: CH₂Cl₂/MeOH/NH₄OH 95/5/0.5). The pure fractions were collected and evaporated. Yield: 0.118 g of final compound 385 (52%).

Example B30

Preparation of Final Compound 343

A mixture of final compound 2 (prepared according to B1.b) (1.0 g; 1.76 mmol) and 3-methoxyphenyl isocyanate (0.25 ml; 1.93 mmol) in THF (10 ml) was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was poured onto ice-water and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layers were dried over MgSO₄, filtered and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (40 mm, eluent: CH₂Cl₂/MeOH/NH₄OH 97/3/0.5). The pure fractions were collected and evaporated. Yield: 1.3 g of final compound 343 (100%).

Example B31

a) Preparation of Final Compound 243

A mixture of intermediate compound 23 (prepared according to A6.d) (0.02 mol), intermediate compound 30 (prepared according to A8) (0.02 mol) and Pt/C 5% (3 g) in thiophene solution (2 ml) and CH₃OH (250 ml) was stirred at 50° C. under H₂ (gas), titanium, tetrakis(2-propanolato) (15 g) was added and the reaction mixture was filtered. The filtrate was evaporated and the residue was taken up in CH₂Cl₂/H₂O. The biphasic mixture was stirred for 15 min. and filtered through dicalite. The organic filtrate was separated, dried and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was separated by column chromatography over silica gel (gradient eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 100/0→90/10). The product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. The purification was repeated, two product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. The desired fraction was crystallised from petroleum ether and the resulting solids were collected. Yield: 1.8 g of final compound 243.

b) Preparation of Final Compound 244

HCl/2-propanol (5 ml) was added to a solution of final compound 243 (0.0046 mol) in 2-propanol (50 ml) and the reaction mixture was stirred and refluxed for 2 hours. The resulting precipitate was filtered off and washed with DIPE/2-propanol. The solids were taken up in H₂O. The mixture was alkalised and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated, dried and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 2.1 g of final compound 244 (72%).

c) Preparation of Final Compound 393

A mixture of final compound 298 (prepared according to B31.a) (1.47 g) in a 5 to 6N HCl/isopropanol solution (40 ml) and THF (5 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 4 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated, poured onto a 10% sodium carbonate solution and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layers were dried over MgSO₄, filtered and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/MeOH/NH₄OH 85/15/1). The pure fractions were collected and evaporated. The residue was taken up with diisopropylether, filtered and dried. Yield: 0.273 g of final compound 393 (19%).

Example B32

a) Preparation of Final Compound 405

3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzoylchloride (0.005 mol) was added to a solution of intermediate compound 29 (prepared according to A7.d) (0.0048 mol) in CH₂Cl₂ (20 ml) and the mixture was briefly stirred, Et₃N (1 ml) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 18 hours. The mixture was washed with a diluted NaOH solution and with H₂O, dried and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 2.8 g of final compound 405.

b) Preparation of Final Compound 406

Final compound 405 (0.0043 mol) was taken up in HCl/2-propanol (5 ml) and 2-propanol (50 ml) was added (precipitation occurred), the reaction mixture was stirred and refluxed for 2 hours. The mixture was cooled and the resulting precipitate was filtered off. The precipitate was taken up in H₂O, alkalised with a basic NaOH solution and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated, washed with H₂O, dried (MgSO₄), filtered off and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified over silica gel on a glass filter (gradient eluent: CH₂Cl₂/(CH₃OH/NH₃) 99/1−>90/10). The product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 1.5 g of final compound 406.

Example B33

Preparation of Final Compound 204

A mixture of final compound 2 (prepared according to B1.b) (0.0014 mol), 3-chloro-1,2-benzoisoxazole (0.0015 mol), Na₂CO₃ (0.0014 mol) and KI (0.0014 mol) in 4-methylpentanone (20 ml, p.a.) was stirred under N₂ in autoclave at 160° C. over the weekend. The reaction mixture was cooled and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was partitioned between H₂O/CH₂Cl₂ and the aqueous layer was extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was dried (MgSO₄), filtered off and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (gradient eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH from 100/0 to 90/10). The product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.783 g of final compound 204 (82%).

Example B34

Preparation of Final Compound 185

A mixture of final compound 144 (prepared according to B14.b) (0.00096 mol), 2-chloro-N,N-dimethylethanamine (0.00098 mol) and Na₂CO₃ (0.0029 mol) in 2-butanol (5 ml) was stirred under microwave irradiation (45 min. at 175° C.). The mixture was evaporated under vacuum and the residue was suspended in CH₂Cl₂, then isocyanate -resin (0.125 g, scavenger) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 5 hours at room temperature. The mixture was filtered off, the filter residue was washed with CH₂Cl₂ and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (gradient eluent: CH₂Cl₂/(CH₃OH/NH₃) (7N) from 100/0 to 80/20). The product fractions were collected, the solvent was evaporated and the residue was dried (vac., 50° C.) for 48 hours. Yield: 0.056 g of final compound 185 (8%).

TABLE 1

Co. Exp. Stereo No. No. Alk^(a) Y Alk^(b) L descriptors 2 B1b cb cb cb H 2R-trans 148 B31.b cb cb cb H [2R-[2α,4β(S)]] 149 B31.b cb cb cb H [2R-[2α,4β(R)]] 116 B1b cb cb cb H 2S-trans 117 B1b cb cb cb H 2R-cis 118 B1b cb cb cb H 2S-cis 383 B29.a cb cb cb

2R-trans 4 B4 cb cb cb

2R-trans 5 B4 cb cb cb

2R-trans 6 B4 cb cb cb

2R-trans 204 B33 cb cb cb

2R-trans 7 B4 cb cb cb

2R-trans 8 B4 cb cb cb

2R-trans 375 B19 cb cb cb

2R-trans 1 B1a —CH₂— cb cb

2R-trans 112 B1a —CH₂— cb cb

2R-cis 113 B1a —CH₂— cb cb

2S-trans 114 B1a —CH₂— cb cb

2S-cis 385 B29.c —CH₂— cb cb

2R-trans 9 B4 —CH₂— cb cb

2R-trans 10 B4 —CH₂— cb cb

2R-trans 11 B4 —CH₂— cb cb

2R-trans 319 B23

cb cb

2R-trans 349 B23

cb cb

2R-trans 384 B29.b

cb cb

2R-trans 103 B5 —CH₂— C═O cb

2R-trans 80 B3 —CH₂—CH₂— C═O cb

2R-trans 198 B15 cb C═O cb —CH₃ 2R-trans 230 B11 cb C═O cb —CH₂Cl 2R-trans 203 B17 cb C═O cb —CF₃ 2R-trans 199 B15 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 167 B15 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 305 B15 cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(R)]] 306 B15 cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(S)]] 200 B15 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 70 B2 cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(R*)]] 71 B2 cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(S*)]] 72 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 182 B2 cb C═O cb

2S-cis 126 B2 cb C═O cb

2S-trans 137 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-cis 73 B2 cb C═O cb

2R, trans 276 B14 cb C═O cb

2R, trans 179 B15 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 74 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 178 B15 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 402 B15 cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(R*)]] 403 B15 cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(S*)]] 220 B15 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 130 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 150 B22.b cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(S*)]] 151 B22.b cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(R*)]] 145 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 293 B30 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 284 B30 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 343 B30 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 283 B30 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 188 B16 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 64 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 190 B14 cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(S*)]] 191 B14 cb C═O cb

[2R [2α,4β(R*)]] 136 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-cis 3 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 180 B2 cb C═O cb

2S-cis 127 B2 cb C═O cb

2S-trans 195 B16 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 12 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 192 B2 cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(S*)]] 193 B2 cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(R*)]] 271 B14 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 13 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 327 B14 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 332 B14 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 341 B14 cb C═O cb

2R, trans 14 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 15 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 346 B14 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 18 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 16 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 17 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 181 B2 cb C═O cb

2S-cis 87 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-cis 159 B2 cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(S*)]] 160 B2 cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(R*)]] 22 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 169 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 20 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 21 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 19 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 235 B14.b cb C═O cb

2R-trans 144 B14.b cb C═O cb

2R-trans 213 B14.b cb C═O cb

2R-trans 186 B14.b cb C═O cb

2R-trans 187 B14.a cb C═O cb

2R-trans 115 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 189 B14 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 228 B14 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 185 B34 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 23 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 24 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 294 B14.b cb C═O cb

2R-trans 240 B14.b cb C═O cb

2R-trans 241 B14.b cb C═O cb

2R-trans 206 B14.a cb C═O cb

2R-trans 297 B14.c cb C═O cb

2R-trans 296 B14.c cb C═O cb

2R-trans 295 B14.c cb C═O cb

2R-trans 229 B14 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 210 B14 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 28 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 168 B15 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 29 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 97 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 386 B14 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 387 B14 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 31 B16 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 184 B16 cb C═O cb

2S-cis 129 B16 cb C═O cb

2S-trans 139 B16 cb C═O cb

2R-cis 216 B16 cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(S(S))]] 217 B16 cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(R(S))]] 219 B16 cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(R(R))]] 218 B16 cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(S(R))]] 404 B20 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 32 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans, R* 33 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans, S* 34 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 183 B2 cb C═O cb

2S-cis 128 B2 cb C═O cb

2S-trans 138 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-cis 35 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 36 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 37 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 38 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 39 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans, R* 40 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans, S* 41 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 42 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 321 B2 cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(R)]] 322 B2 cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(S)]] 360 B25 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 43 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 350 B25 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 359 B25 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 369 B25 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 353 B25 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 361 B25 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 363 B25 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 352 B25 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 362 B25 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 356 B25.a cb C═O cb

2R-trans 44 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 68 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 45 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 48 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 46 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 47 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 49 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 25 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 282 B14 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 26 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 27 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 50 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 30 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 51 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 125 B2 cb C═O cb

2S-trans 380 B15 cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(S*)]] 381 B15 cb C═O cb

[2P-[2α,4β(R*)]] 166 B18 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 52 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 53 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 54 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 55 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 56 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 57 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 58 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 59 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 60 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 61 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 62 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 63 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 98 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 99 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 177 B15 cb C═O —CH₂—

2R-trans 388 B14 cb C═O —CH₂—

2R-trans 390 B14 cb C═O —CH₂—

2R-trans 389 B14 cb C═O —CH₂—

2R-trans 202 B11.b cb C═O —CH₂—

2R-trans 207 B13 cb C═O —CH₂—

2R-trans 65 B2 cb C═O —CH₂—

2R-trans 196 B11.b cb C═O —CH₂—

2R-trans 214 B14 cb C═O —CH₂—

2R-trans 66 B2 cb C═O —CH₂—

2R-trans 67 B2 cb C═O —CH₂—

2R-trans 392 B14 cb C═O —CH₂—

2R-trans 209 B12 cb C═O —CH₂—

2R-trans 215 B14 cb C═O —CH₂—

2R-trans 197 B11.b cb C═O —CH₂—

2R-trans 201 B11.b cb C═O —CH₂—

2R-trans 208 B12 cb C═O —CH₂—

2R-trans 413 B14 cb C═O —CH₂—CH₂—

2R-trans, S 414 B14 cb C═O —CH₂—CH₂—

2R-trans, R 391 B14 cb C═O —CH₂—CH₂—

2R-trans 69 B2 cb C═O

2R-trans 104 B7 cb C═O

2R-trans 275 B14 cb C═O

2R-trans 334 B14 cb C═O

2R-trans 333 B14 cb C═O

2R-trans 309 B20.c cb C═O

2R-trans 205 B20.a cb C═O

2R-trans 310 B20.d cb C═O

2R-trans 304 B20.b cb C═O

2R-trans 109 B9 cb C═O

2R-trans 106 B8 cb C═O

2R-trans 107 B8 cb C═O

2R-trans 108 B8 cb C═O

2R-trans 105 B8 cb C═O

2R-trans 110 B10 cb C═O

2R-trans 111 B10 cb C═O

2R-trans 75 B5 cb

cb

2R-trans 307 B24.b cb

cb

2R-trans 348 B24.b cb

cb

2R-trans 303 B24.b cb

cb

2R-trans 415 B24.b cb

cb

2R-trans 416 B24.b cb

cb

2R-trans 300 B24.a cb

cb

2R-trans 347 B24.a cb

cb

2R-trans 280 B24.a cb

cb

2R-trans 378 B24.a cb

cb

2R-trans 411 B24.a cb

cb

2R-trans 412 B24.a cb

cb

2R-trans 401 B24.a cb

cb

2R-trans 394 B24.a cb

cb

2R-trans 410 B24.a cb

cb

2R-trans 76 B5 cb

cb

2R-trans 308 B24.b cb

cb

2R-trans 328 B5 cb

cb

2R-trans 345 B24.a cb

cb

2R-trans 336 B24.a cb

cb

2R-trans 292 B24.a cb

cb

2R-trans 351 B24.b cb

cb

2R-trans 342 B24.b cb

cb

2R-trans 335 B24.a cb

cb

2R-trans 77 B5 cb

cb

2R-trans 78 B5 cb

cb

2R-trans 79 B5 cb

cb

2R-trans 301 B27 cb C═N—CN cb —SCH₃ 2R-trans 344 B27 cb C═N—CN cb

2R-trans 370 B27 cb C═N—CN cb

2R-trans 355 B27 cb C═N—CN cb

2R-trans 302 B27 cb C═N—CN cb

2R-trans 371 B27 cb C═N—CN cb

2R-trans 354 B28 cb C═C—NO₂ cb

2R-trans 376 B28 cb C═C—NO₂ cb

2R-trans 377 B28 cb C═C—NO₂ cb

2R-trans cb = covalent bond

TABLE 2

Co. Exp. Stereo No. No. R²— descriptors 81 B6

2R-trans 82 B6

2R-trans 83 B6

2R-trans 84 B6

2R-trans 85 B6

2R-trans 86 B6

2R-trans 88 B6

2R-trans 89 B6

2R-trans 90 B6

2R-trans 91 B6

2R-trans 92 B6

2R-trans 93 B6

2R-trans 94 B6

2R-trans 95 B6

2R-trans 96 B6

2R-trans 100 B6/B21

2R-trans 101 B6/B21

2R-trans 102 B6/B21

2R-trans 146 B21

2R-trans 147 B21

2R-trans cb = covalent bond

TABLE 3

Co. No. Exp. No. Alk^(a) Y Alk^(b) L Stereo descriptors 120 B1b cb cb cb H 2S-trans 123 B1b cb cb cb H 2R-cis 133 B1b cb cb cb H 2R-cis + trans 119 B1a —CH₂— cb cb

2R-trans 132 B1a —CH₂— cb cb

2R-cis + trans 140 B1a —CH₂— cb cb

2R-cis 154 B15 cb C═O cb

2R-cis 156 B15 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 134 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-cis 135 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 157 B15 cb C═O cb

2R-cis 158 B15 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 121 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 131 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-cis 152 B14 cb C═O cb

2R-cis 153 B14 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 122 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-cis 124 B2 cb C═O cb

2R-trans 155 B5 cb

cb

2R-trans 170 B5 cb

cb

2R-cis cb =covalent bond

TABLE 4

Co. Exp. Stereo No. No. Alk^(a) Y Alk^(b) L descriptors 262 B31.b cb cb cb H [(2R-trans), (R)] 244 B31.b cb cb cb H [(2S-trans), (S)] 194 B31.b cb cb cb H trans 311 B31.b cb cb cb H [(2R-trans), (S)] 393 B31.c cb cb cb

[2R-[2α,4β(S)]] 247 B15 cb C═O cb

[(2S-trans), (S)] 289 B15 cb C═O cb

[(2R-trans), (R)] 313 B15 cb C═O cb

[(2R-trans), (S)] 143 B2 cb C═O cb

cis 162 B15 cb C═O cb

trans 245 B15 cb C═O cb

[(2S-trans), (S)] 263 B15 cb C═O cb

[(2R-trans), (R)] 312 B15 cb C═O cb

[(2R-trans), (S)] 299 B15 cb C═O cb

[(2R-trans), (R)] 314 B15 cb C═O cb

[(2R-trans), (S)] 243 B31.a cb C═O cb

[(2S-trans), (S)] 261 B31.a cb C═O cb

[(2R-trans), (R)] 329 B31.a cb C═O cb

[(2R-cis), (R)] 248 B31.a cb C═O cb

[(2S-cis), (S)] 165 B31.a cb C═O cb

trans 298 B31.a cb C═O cb

[(2R-trans), (S)] 141 B2 cb C═O cb

cis 164 B15 cb C═O cb

trans 266 B15 cb C═O cb

[(2R-trans), (R)] 315 B15 cb C═O cb

[(2R-trans), (S)] 246 B15 cb C═O cb

[(2S-trans), (S)] 265 B15 cb C═O cb

[(2R-trans), (R)] 316 B15 cb C═O cb

[(2R-trans), (S)] 174 B15 cb C═O cb

trans 264 B15 cb C═O cb

[(2R-trans), (R)] 175 B15 cb C═O cb

trans 318 B15 cb C═O cb

[(2R-trans), (S)] 287 B16 cb C═O cb

[(2R-trans), (R)] 251 B16 cb C═O cb

[(2S-trans), (S)] 325 B16 cb C═O cb

[(2R-trans), (S)] 267 B15 cb C═O cb

[(2R-trans), (R)] 317 B15 cb C═O cb

[(2R-trans), (S)] 173 B16 cb C═O cb

trans 250 B16 cb C═O cb

[(2S-trans), (S)] 288 B16 cb C═O cb

[(2R-trans), (R)] 326 B16 cb C═O cb

[(2R-trans), (S)] 172 B16 cb C═O cb

trans 249 B16 cb C═O cb

[(2S-trans), (S)] 290 B16 cb C═O cb

[(2R-trans), (R), (R)] 291 B16 cb C═O cb

[(2R-trans), (R), (S)] 330 B16 cb C═O cb

[(2R-trans), (S), (S)] 331 B16 cb C═O cb

[(2R-trans), (S), (R)] 324 B16 cb C═O cb

[(2R-trans), (S)] 171 B16 cb C═O cb

trans 286 B16 cb C═O cb

[(2R-trans), (R)] 323 B16 cb C═O cb

[(2R-trans), (S)] 161 B15 ob C═O cb

trans 176 B15 cb C═O

trans 142 B5 cb

cb

cis 163 B5 cb

cb

trans 268 B5 cb

cb

[(2r-trans), (R)] cb = covalent bond

TABLE 5

Co. Exp. No. No. (Hal)_(n) Alk^(a) Y Alk^(b) L Stereo descriptors 225 B1.b 3-F, 4-F cb cb cb H [2R-[2α,4β(R*)]] 212 B1.b 3-F, 4-F cb cb cb H [2R-[2α,4α(S*)]] 364 B15 3-F, 4-F cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(R*)]] 365 B15 3-F, 4-F cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4α(S*)]] 231 B15 3-F, 4-F cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(R*)]] 252 B15 3-F, 4-F cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(S*)]] 357 B15 3-F, 4-F cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(R*)]] 358 B15 3-F, 4-F cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(S*)]] 221 B31 3-F, 4-F —CH2— cb cb

[2R-[2α,4α(R*)]] 222 B31 3-F, 4-F —CH2— cb cb

[2R-[2α,4β(R*)]] 224 B31 3-F, 4-F —CH2— cb cb

[2R-[2α,4α(S*)]] 223 B31 3-F, 4-F —CH2— cb cb

[2R-[2α,4β(S*)]] 211 B15 3-F, 4-F cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(R*)]] 255 B15 3-F, 4-F cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(S*)]] 239 B15 3-F, 4-F cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(R*)]] 256 B15 3-F, 4-F cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(S*)]] 366 B15 3-F, 4-F cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(R*)]] 367 B15 3-F, 4-F cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(S*)]] 260 B15 3-F, 4-F cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(S*)]] 368 B15 3-F, 4-F cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(R*)]] 227 B14 3-F, 4-F cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(R*)]] 269 B14 3-F, 4-F cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(R*(S*))]] 281 B14 3-F, 4-F cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(S*(S*))]] 285 B14 3-F, 4-F cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(S*(R*))]] 270 B14 3-F, 4-F cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(R*(R*))]] 242 B14 3-F, 4-F cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(S*)]] 226 B14 3-F, 4-F cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(R*)]] 258 B14 3-F, 4-F cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(S*)]] 254 B15 3-F, 4-F cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(S*)]] 232 B15 3-F, 4-F cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(R*)]] 238 B15 3-F, 4-F cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(R*)]] 257 B15 3-F, 4-F cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(S*)]] 237 B14 3-F, 4-F cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(R*)]] 259 B14 3-F, 4-F cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(S*)]] 236 B15 3-F, 4-F cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(R*)]] 253 B15 3-F, 4-F cb C═O cb

[2R-[2α,4β(S*)]] 233 B2 3-F, 4-F cb C═O

[2R-[2α,4β(R*)]] 234 B2 3-F, 4-F cb

cb

[2R-[2α,4β(R*)]] 338 B1.b 3-F, 5-F cb cb cb H trans 339 B31 3-F, 5-F —CH₂— cb cb

trans 340 B2 3-F, 5-F cb C═O cb

trans 337 B14 3-F, 5-F cb C═O cb

trans 320 B31 3-Cl, 5-Cl —CH₂— cb cb

trans 273 B1.b 4-F cb cb cb H trans 272 B31 4-F —CH2— cb cb

trans 277 B2 4-F cb C═O cb

trans 279 B2 4-F cb C═O cb

trans 274 B14 4-F cb C═O cb

trans 278 B14 4-F cb C═O cb

trans cb = covalent bond

TABLE 6

Co. Exp. Stereo No. No. Alk^(a) Y Alk^(b) L descriptors 406 B32.b cb cb cb H cis 395 B15 cb C═O cb

cis 396 B15 cb C═O cb

cis 397 B15 cb C═O cb

cis 405 B32.a cb C═O cb

cis 398 B15 cb C═O cb

cis 407 B15 cb C═O cb

cis 408 B1 cb C═O cb

cis 399 B16 cb C═O cb

cis 400 B15 cb C═O cb

cis cb = covalent bond C. Analytical Data

For a number of compounds, either melting points, LCMS data or optical rotations were recorded.

1. Melting Points

If possible, melting points (or ranges) were obtained with a Leica VMHB Koffler bank. The melting points are uncorrected.

TABLE 7 Melting points for selected compounds. Compound no. Result (° C.) 122 60-70 124 60-70 134 65-70 135 65-70 153 65 155 60-70 158 70 282 126 284 111 287 138 292 158 293 106 302 100 307 92 308 100 334 120 402 89.2-98.5 403 89.7-99.2 2. LCMS Conditions Method A

The HPLC gradient was supplied by a Waters Alliance HT 2790 system (Waters, Milford, Mass.) with a column heater set at 40° C. Flow from the column was split to a Waters 996 photodiode array (PDA) detector and a Waters-Micromass ZQ mass spectrometer with an electrospray ionization source operated in positive and negative ionization mode. Reversed phase HPLC was carried out on a Xterra MS C18 column (3.5 mm, 4.6×100 mm) with a flow rate of 1.6 ml/min. Three mobile phases (mobile phase A: 95% 25 mM ammoniumacetate+5% acetonitrile; mobile phase B: acetonitrile; mobile phase C: methanol) were employed to run a gradient condition from 100% A to 50% B and 50% C in 6.5 min., to 100% B in 1 min, 100% B for 1 min. and re-equilibrate with 100% A for 1.5 min. An injection volume of 10 μL was used.

Mass spectra were acquired by scanning from 100 to 1000 in 1 s using a dwell time of 0.1. The capillary needle voltage was 3 kV and the source temperature was maintained at 140° C. Nitrogen was used a the nebulizer gas. Cone voltage was 10 V for positive ionization mode and 20 V for negative ionization mode. Data acquisition was performed with a Waters-Micromass MassLynx-Openlynx data system.

TABLE 8 LCMS parent peak and retention time for selected compounds. LCMS LCMS Comp. MS(MH+) Retention Comp. MS(MH+) Retention no. Meth. A time no. Meth. A time 2 569 5.01 34 663 5.67 1 659 6.16 13 687 5.96 28 674 5.45 35 663 5.70 3 673 5.84 42 679 5.83 20 709 5.95 14 703 5.83 12 698 6.05 26 691 5.67 29 704 5.33 44 747 6.28 32 663 5.68 78 727 5.49 33 663 6.05 79 728 5.97 31 667 5.5 30 675 5.55 69 701 6.09 67 693 5.84 41 679 6.13 52 681 5.68 80 655 5.66 36 677 5.83 51 695 5.68 43 693 6.21 70 637 5.95 59 663 5.31 71 637 5.68 56 712 5.74 72 637 5.68 64 691 5.67 66 677 5.72 103 690 6.16 45 677 5.76 104 721 6.39 23 676 5.61 105 785 5.71 85 555 5.24 106 746 5.64 86 569 5.42 107 792 6.26 68 664 6.11 108 756 5.87 37 691 6.00 109 717 5.9 74 665 6.01 110 767 5.81 47 678 5.80 111 831 6.21 24 676 6.26 112 659 6.75 81 617 4.44 113 659 6.62 82 677 5.80 114 659 6.82 83 631 4.54 115 766 6.39 11 771 6.26 116 569 5.24 84 635 5.15 119 673 6.15 16 691 5.86 121 677 4.43 17 707 5.96 130 669 6.23 19 701 6.09 131 677 5.87 54 723 6.10 140 673 6.26 49 822 6.10 141 775 6.39 22 741 6.22 142 783 6.34 7 702 6.36 143 705 6.21 8 699 6.00 144 666 5.14 5 647 5.83 145 640 5.65 6 661 5.69 152 681 5.67 10 699 5.81 154 651 5.87 9 739 6.10 156 651 5.73 21 709 5.88 157 721 6.16 73 651 5.76 159 707 5.96 61 747 6.07 161 763 5.99 15 731 6.15 162 705 6.00 65 777 5.76 163 783 6.61 90 555 5.14 164 775 6.20 88 557 4.70 165 737 6.75 91 587 5.08 166 711 5.84 92 601 4.92 167 653 6.36 93 673 5.17 168 708 5.61 94 579 4.62 169 741 6.04 89 583 5.25 170 729 6.13 95 528 4.43 171 745 5.89 96 585 5.22 172 735 5.85 97 667 5.68 173 731 5.98 98 731 6.01 174 759 6.13 99 737 6.00 175 747 6.54 176 769 6.31 223 695 6.06 177 641 5.69 224 695 6.32 178 679 6.56 225 605 5.02 179 651 6.24 226 699 5.61 180 673 6.21 227 703 5.45 181 707 6.32 228 766 6.03 182 637 6.05 229 780 6.15 183 663 5.84 210 780 6.05 184 667 5.68 211 743 5.87 185 737 5.70 212 605 5.02 186 708 5.41 231 673 5.63 187 708 5.41 232 715 5.77 188 707 5.87 233 737 6.01 189 766 6.00 234 751 5.85 190 749 5.66 235 666 5.05 191 691 5.67 236 731 5.62 192 698 5.87 237 711 5.50 193 698 5.89 238 715 5.73 194 637 5.53 239 777 5.97 195 698 6.04 240 680 5.09 196 680 5.26 241 680 5.03 197 696 5.73 242 703 5.43 198 611 5.44 243 737 6.42 199 639 5.75 244 637 5.51 200 667 6.09 245 705 5.98 201 695 5.11 246 809 6.26 202 654 5.35 247 721 6.19 203 665 6.29 248 737 7.11 204 686 6.52 249 735 5.82 205 754 6.10 250 731 5.97 206 780 6.54 251 747 6.06 207 732 5.74 252 673 5.61 208 727 5.76 253 731 5.62 209 691 5.34 254 715 5.76 213 666 5.14 255 743 5.88 214 694 5.38 256 777 5.98 215 696 5.32 257 715 5.72 216 667 5.49 258 699 5.60 217 667 5.49 259 711 5.50 218 667 5.49 260 740 5.28 219 667 5.51 261 737 6.42 220 703 5.76 262 637 5.72 221 695 6.31 263 705 5.98 222 695 6.08 264 747 6.09 265 809 6.26 336 849 6.41 266 775 6.18 337 715 5.76 267 731 5.98 340 673 5.67 268 783 6.14 341 689 5.51 269 703 5.45 342 759 5.71 270 703 5.45 343 718 5.83 281 703 5.43 344 678 5.68 283 713 5.76 345 835 6.37 285 703 5.21 346 807 6.26 286 743 5.63 347 739 6.04 287 747 5.75 348 725 5.75 288 731 5.66 349 695 5.73 289 721 5.85 350 709 5.91 290 735 5.87 351 759 5.70 291 735 5.86 352 799 6.28 294 680 5.22 353 799 6.28 295 818 6.09 354 697 5.44 296 748 5.86 355 742 5.70 297 764 6.15 356 813 6.36 298 737 6.45 357 715 6.05 299 747 6.38 358 715 6.06 302 690 4.40 359 723 5.57 304 768 6.09 360 709 5.61 305 653 5.96 361 813 6.34 306 653 5.95 362 813 6.34 310 736 5.76 363 723 5.55 311 637 5.49 364 689 5.87 312 705 6.34 365 689 5.88 313 721 6.98 366 712 5.78 314 747 7.11 367 712 5.79 315 775 6.96 368 740 5.27 316 809 7.04 369 723 5.66 317 731 6.77 370 750 5.66 318 747 6.87 371 706 5.51 321 679 5.82 374 651 5.59 322 679 5.82 375 756 5.70 323 743 6.61 376 769 5.49 324 731 6.54 377 709 5.27 325 747 6.78 378 769 5.89 326 731 6.68 379 677 5.59 329 679 5.75 380 695 5.68 330 735 5.85 381 695 5.68 331 735 5.86 382 693 5.72 332 689 5.57 385 710 5.71 386 681 5.39 396 623 6.38 387 681 5.38 397 665 6.87 388 683 5.85 398 659 6.57 389 669 5.48 399 694 6.41 390 685 5.47 400 681 6.39 391 697 5.98 401 829 6.14 392 725 5.67 404 709 5.57 393 709 5.61 407 693 6.70 394 833 6.43 408 665 6.55 395 653 6.84 Method B

The HPLC gradient was supplied by a Waters Alliance HT 2790 system (Waters, Milford, Mass.) with a column heater set at 40° C. Flow from the column was split to a Waters 996 photodiode array (PDA) detector and a Waters-Micromass ZQ mass spectrometer with an electrospray ionization source operated in positive and negative ionization mode. Reversed phase HPLC was carried out on a Xterra MS C18 column (5 mm. 3.9×150 mm) with a flow rate of 1 ml/min. Two mobile phases (mobile phase A: 85% 65 mM ammonium acetate+15% acetonitrile; mobile phase B: 20% 6.5 mM ammonium acetate+80% acetonitrile) were employed to run a gradient condition from 100% A for 3 min to 100% B in 5 min., 100% B for 6 min to 100% A in 3 min, and re-equilibrate with 100% A for 3 min). Mass spectra were acquired as in Method A.

TABLE 9 LCMS parent peak and retention time for selected compounds. LCMS Compound MS(MH+) Retention no. Meth. B time 271 698 4.5 274 685 4.0 275 703 4.3 276 653 3.9 277 655 4.1 278 697 4.3 279 725 4.6 280 739 5.0 282 677 3.4 292 835 5.8 293 654 4.2 300 739 4.9 303 725 4.6 319 695 2.6 320 727 4.1 327 689 4.4 328 745 5.1 333 733 4.4 335 849 5.9 Optical Rotations

Optical rotations were recorded on a polarimeter (Perkin Elmer) at 20° C. in methanol, using a cell pathlength=1 dm, a volume=5 ml at a concentration=0.5 mg/ml.

TABLE 10 Optical rotation data for selected compounds. Compound Wavelength No. [α] (nm) 32 +15.14 589 33 −13.19 589 39 −18.3 589 40 +20.44 589 87 −17.97° 589 124 +29.34 365 125 +29.34° 365 126 +33.54° 365 127 +31.29° 365 128 +32.32 365 129 +31.33° 365 130 −35.9° 365 136 −18.71 589 137 −19.11 589 138 −19.02° 589 139 −19.03° 589 148 −45.59 365 149 −37.29 365 D. Pharmacological Example

Example D.1 Binding Experiment for h-NK₁, h-NK₂, and h-NK₃ Receptors

The compounds according to the invention were investigated for interaction with various neurotransmitter receptors, ion channels and transporter binding sites using the radioligand binding technique. Membranes from tissue homogenates or from cells, expressing the receptor or transporter of interests, were incubated with a radioactively labelled substance ([³H]- or [¹²⁵I] ligand) to label a particular receptor. Specific receptor binding of the radioligand was distinguished from the non-specific membrane labelling by selectively inhibiting the receptor labelling with an unlabelled drug (the blank), known to compete with the radioligand for binding to the receptor sites. Following incubation, labelled membranes were harvested and rinsed with excessive cold buffer to remove non-bound radioactivity by rapid filtration under suction. Membrane bound radioactivity was counted in a scintillation counter and results were expressed in counts per minute (cpm).

The compounds were dissolved in DMSO and tested at 10 concentrations ranging from 10⁻¹⁰ to 10⁻⁵ M.

The ability of the compounds according to the invention to displace [³H]-Substance P from cloned human h-NK₁ receptors expressed in CHO cells, to displace [³]-SR-48968 from cloned human h-NK₂ receptors expressed in Sf9 cells, and to displace [³ H]-SR-142801 from cloned human h-NK₃ receptors expressed in CHO cells was evaluated.

The receptor binding values (pIC₅₀) for the h-NK₁ ranges for all compounds according to the invention between 10 and 6.

Example D.2 Signal Transduction (ST)

This test evaluates in vitro functional NK₁ antagonistic activity. For the measurements of intracellular Ca⁺⁺ concentrations the cells were grown on 96-well (black wall/transparent bottom) plates from Costar for 2 days until they reached confluence. The cells were loaded with 2 μM Fluo3 in DMEM containing 0.1% BSA and 2.5 mM probenecid for 1 h at 37° C. They were washed 3× with a Krebs buffer (140 mM NaCl, 1 mM MgCl₂×6H₂O, 5 mM KCl, 10 mM glucose, 5 mM HEPES; 1.25 mM CaCl₂; pH 7.4) containing 2.5 mM probenecid and 0.1% BSA (Ca⁺⁺-buffer). The cells were preincubated with a concentration range of antagonists for 20 min at RT and Ca⁺⁺-signals after addition of the agonists were measured in a Fluorescence Image Plate Reader (FLIPR from Molecular Devices, Crawley, England). The peak of the Ca⁺⁺-transient was considered as the relevant signal and the mean values of corresponding wells were analysed as described below.

The sigmoidal dose response curves were analysed by computerised curve-fitting, using the GraphPad Program. The EC₅₀-value of a compound is the effective dose showing 50% of maximal effect. For mean curves the response to the agonist with the highest potency was normalised to 100%. For antagonist responses the IC₅₀-value was calculated using non-linear regression.

The pIC₅₀ data for the signal transduction testing for a representative selection of compounds are presented in Table 11. The last columns indicates—without being limited therefore—for which the compounds might be most suitable. Of course, since for some neurokinin receptors no data was determined, it is obvious that these compounds might be attributed to another suitable use.

TABLE 11 Pharmacological data for the signal transduction for selected compounds. (n.d. = not determined) Co. pIC₅₀ pIC₅₀ pIC₅₀ No NK₁ NK₂ NK₃ Suitable for 227 8.5 n.d 5.8 NK₁ 270 8.5 5.7 5.9 NK₁ 305 8.5 5.8 5.8 NK₁ 236 8.4 n.d 5.3 NK₁ 269 8.4 5.6 5.2 NK₁ 281 8.3 5.4 5.5 NK₁ 332 8.3 5.8 5.5 NK₁ 381 8.3 5.0 5.6 NK₁ 393 8.3 5.0 5.0 NK₁ 50 8.2 n.d 5.5 NK₁ 166 8.2 n.d 5.8 NK₁ 179 8.2 n.d 5.8 NK₁ 231 8.2 n.d 5.5 NK₁ 262 8.2 6.3 5.0 NK₁ 271 8.2 5.3 5.7 NK₁ 297 8.2 5.6 5.9 NK₁ 303 8.2 6.2 5.5 NK₁ 327 8.2 5.4 5.7 NK₁ 328 8.2 6.2 5.2 NK₁ 380 8.2 5.1 5.8 NK₁ 404 8.2 5.3 7.1 NK₁ 99 8.1 n.d 5.5 NK₁ 219 8.1 5.4 5.5 NK₁ 288 8.1 5.8 6.1 NK₁ 299 8.1 5.6 6.1 NK₁ 302 8.1 5.6 6.0 NK₁ 310 8.1 5.7 5.4 NK₁ 364 8.1 5.7 6.2 NK₁ 403 8.1 5.6 5.6 NK₁ 73 8.0 n.d 5.8 NK₁ 97 8.0 n.d 5.6 NK₁ 199 8.0 n.d 5.8 NK₁ 216 8.0 5.3 5.8 NK₁ 234 8.0 n.d 5.5 NK₁ 237 8.0 n.d 5.4 NK₁ 242 8.0 n.d 5.6 NK₁ 274 8.0 5.0 5.4 NK₁ 275 8.0 5.6 5.3 NK₁ 276 8.0 5.5 5.3 NK₁ 277 8.0 5.0 5.6 NK₁ 300 8.0 6.1 5.7 NK₁ 311 8.0 5.6 5.0 NK₁ 341 8.0 5.7 5.5 NK₁ 348 8.0 6.5 5.7 NK₁ 367 8.0 5.9 5.8 NK₁ 368 8.0 5.5 5.5 NK₁ 65 7.9 n.d 5.5 NK₁ 98 7.9 n.d 5.3 NK₁ 109 7.9 n.d 5.1 NK₁ 145 7.9 n.d 5.7 NK₁ 161 7.9 n.d 5.5 NK₁ 282 7.9 5.4 5.4 NK₁ 284 7.9 5.3 5.4 NK₁ 350 7.9 5.3 5.3 NK₁ 358 7.9 5.5 5.8 NK₁ 359 7.9 5.6 5.7 NK₁ 363 7.9 5.4 5.8 NK₁ 375 7.9 5.0 5.4 NK₁ 378 7.9 5.8 5.7 NK₁ 48 7.8 n.d 5.6 NK₁ 187 7.8 n.d 5.3 NK₁ 190 7.8 n.d 5.7 NK₁ 191 7.8 n.d 5.6 NK₁ 208 7.8 n.d 5.6 NK₁ 225 7.8 n.d 5.0 NK₁ 210 7.8 n.d 5.1 NK₁ 260 7.8 6.4 5.4 NK₁ 278 7.8 5.4 5.7 NK₁ 279 7.8 5.4 5.7 NK₁ 280 7.8 5.9 5.4 NK₁ 293 7.8 5.2 5.3 NK₁ 307 7.8 5.9 5.9 NK₁ 355 7.8 5.3 5.2 NK₁ 371 7.8 5.1 5.3 NK₁ 377 7.8 5.0 5.2 NK₁ 388 7.8 5.0 6.1 NK₁ 389 7.8 5.0 5.2 NK₁ 402 7.8 5.6 6.3 NK₁ 25 7.7 5.3 5.3 NK₁ 110 7.7 n.d 5.3 NK₁ 196 7.7 n.d 5.0 NK₁ 203 7.7 n.d 6.0 NK₁ 207 7.7 n.d 5.4 NK₁ 209 7.7 n.d 5.0 NK₁ 213 7.7 n.d 5.8 NK₁ 214 7.7 n.d 5.4 NK₁ 294 7.7 5.1 5.0 NK₁ 333 7.7 5.6 5.0 NK₁ 344 7.7 5.4 5.0 NK₁ 347 7.7 6.2 5.6 NK₁ 370 7.7 5.2 5.1 NK₁ 386 7.7 5.0 5.3 NK₁ 387 7.7 5.0 5.3 NK₁ 390 7.7 5.0 5.0 NK₁ 391 7.7 5.0 5.5 NK₁ 411 7.7 5.6 6.0 NK₁ 18 7.6 n.d 5.6 NK₁ 188 7.6 n.d 5.7 NK₁ 197 7.6 n.d 5.0 NK₁ 204 7.6 n.d 5.6 NK₁ 228 7.6 n.d 5.2 NK₁ 283 7.6 5.4 5.6 NK₁ 376 7.6 5.0 5.4 NK₁ 60 7.5 n.d 5.6 NK₁ 46 7.5 5.4 5.9 NK₁ 59 7.5 n.d 5.5 NK₁ 85 7.5 n.d 5.0 NK₁ 68 7.5 n.d 5.8 NK₁ 16 7.5 5.3 5.6 NK₁ 61 7.5 n.d 5.2 NK₁ 15 7.5 n.d 5.7 NK₁ 106 7.5 n.d 5.4 NK₁ 108 7.5 n.d 5.6 NK₁ 198 7.5 n.d 5.6 NK₁ 215 7.5 n.d 5.3 NK₁ 229 7.5 n.d 5.6 NK₁ 240 7.5 n.d 5.0 NK₁ 241 7.5 n.d 5.0 NK₁ 247 7.5 n.d 5.0 NK₁ 319 7.5 5.3 5.5 NK₁ 334 7.5 5.3 5.1 NK₁ 343 7.5 5.5 5.1 NK₁ 349 7.5 5.6 5.2 NK₁ 354 7.5 5.0 5.0 NK₁ 385 7.5 5.0 5.4 NK₁ 413 7.5 5.0 5.7 NK₁ 53 7.4 n.d 5.5 NK₁ 37 7.4 n.d 5.7 NK₁ 47 7.4 n.d 5.4 NK₁ 9 7.4 n.d 5.9 NK₁ 130 7.4 n.d 5.5 NK₁ 143 7.4 n.d 5.5 NK₁ 149 7.4 n.d 5.0 NK₁ 202 7.4 n.d 5.2 NK₁ 220 7.4 n.d 6.0 NK₁ 235 7.4 n.d 5.0 NK₁ 298 7.4 5.5 5.5 NK₁ 337 7.4 5.5 5.9 NK₁ 414 7.4 5.0 6.2 NK₁ 28 7.3 5.6 n.d NK₁ 22 7.3 n.d 5.6 NK₁ 185 7.3 n.d 5.0 NK₁ 201 7.3 n.d 5.0 NK₁ 222 7.3 n.d 5.2 NK₁ 212 7.3 n.d 5.0 NK₁ 245 7.3 n.d 5.0 NK₁ 249 7.3 5.3 5.3 NK₁ 251 7.3 5.2 5.3 NK₁ 340 7.3 5.2 5.2 NK₁ 410 7.3 5.9 5.0 NK₁ 2 7.2 n.d n.d NK₁ 51 7.2 n.d 5.4 NK₁ 62 7.2 n.d 5.4 NK₁ 6 7.2 5.0 5.6 NK₁ 105 7.2 n.d 5.0 NK₁ 148 7.2 n.d 5.0 NK₁ 177 7.2 n.d 5.6 NK₁ 346 7.2 5.8 5.9 NK₁ 352 7.2 5.2 5.5 NK₁ 29 7.1 5.7 n.d NK₁ 111 7.1 n.d 5.2 NK₁ 244 7.1 n.d 5.0 NK₁ 412 7.1 5.6 5.3 NK₁ 1 7.0 n.d n.d NK₁ 80 7.0 n.d n.d NK₁ 8 7.0 5.0 5.4 NK₁ 10 7.0 n.d 5.2 NK₁ 186 7.0 n.d 5.0 NK₁ 250 7.0 5.2 5.3 NK₁ 3 6.9 n.d 5.8 NK₁ 20 6.9 n.d 5.3 NK₁ 57 6.9 n.d 5.5 NK₁ 63 6.9 n.d 5.5 NK₁ 11 6.9 n.d 5.5 NK₁ 118 6.9 n.d 5.0 NK₁ 87 6.9 n.d 5.9 NK₁ 138 6.9 n.d 5.2 NK₁ 141 6.9 n.d 5.5 NK₁ 144 6.9 n.d 5.0 NK₁ 246 6.9 n.d 5.0 NK₁ 356 6.9 5.0 5.4 NK₁ 362 6.9 5.6 5.6 NK₁ 137 6.8 n.d 5.2 NK₁ 139 6.8 n.d 5.2 NK₁ 223 6.8 n.d 5.8 NK₁ 336 6.8 6.0 5.0 NK₁ 38 6.7 n.d 5.1 NK₁ 136 6.7 n.d 5.0 NK₁ 243 6.7 n.d 5.0 NK₁ 345 6.7 6.3 5.0 NK₁ 129 6.6 n.d 5.0 NK₁ 320 6.6 5.4 5.6 NK₁ 392 6.6 5.0 5.1 NK₁ 401 6.6 5.5 5.9 NK₁ 55 6.5 n.d 5.1 NK₁ 335 6.5 6.0 5.0 NK₁ 331 8.5 5.7 6.6 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 330 8.5 6.2 6.4 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 313 8.4 6.2 6.6 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 290 8.4 5.8 6.4 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 291 8.4 5.9 6.4 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 342 8.3 6.9 6.4 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 253 8.3 6.4 6.3 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 315 8.3 6.3 6.2 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 232 8.2 5.5 6.9 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 238 8.2 5.9 6.8 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 211 8.2 6.0 6.7 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 171 8.2 6.1 6.6 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 263 8.2 6.1 6.5 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 286 8.2 6.0 6.4 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 324 8.2 6.7 6.4 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 226 8.2 5.9 6.3 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 267 8.1 6.2 6.7 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 308 8.1 6.7 6.6 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 266 8.1 6.0 6.5 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 172 8.1 6.1 6.4 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 312 8.1 5.8 6.3 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 206 8.0 6.1 6.6 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 239 8.0 6.0 6.6 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 323 8.0 5.9 6.5 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 162 8.0 6.0 6.3 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 252 8.0 6.0 6.3 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 254 8.0 6.6 6.3 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 257 8.0 6.5 6.2 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 317 8.0 6.4 6.2 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 351 8.0 6.6 6.0 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 264 7.9 5.8 6.7 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 287 7.9 5.9 6.6 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 258 7.9 6.3 6.4 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 69 7.9 6.2 6.3 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 259 7.9 5.7 6.3 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 306 7.9 5.5 6.0 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 27 7.8 6.2 6.5 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 164 7.8 7.1 6.4 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 255 7.8 5.9 6.4 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 318 7.8 6.5 6.4 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 79 7.8 6.0 6.3 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 314 7.8 5.9 6.3 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 326 7.8 6.3 6.3 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 325 7.8 6.4 6.2 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 265 7.7 5.8 6.8 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 76 7.7 5.9 6.7 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 173 7.7 6.1 6.6 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 316 7.7 6.1 6.2 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 268 7.7 6.6 6.0 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 75 7.6 6.0 6.4 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 175 7.6 6.0 6.4 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 78 7.5 6.4 6.6 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 261 7.5 5.9 6.3 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 72 7.3 7.2 6.1 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 361 7.1 6.0 6.2 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 292 7.0 6.1 6.1 NK₁/NK₂/NK₃ 366 8.2 5.7 7.0 NK₁/NK₃ 285 8.2 5.5 6.2 NK₁/NK₃ 296 8.2 5.8 6.1 NK₁/NK₃ 40 8.1 5.6 6.9 NK₁/NK₃ 189 8.1 5.0 6.6 NK₁/NK₃ 14 8.1 5.3 6.5 NK₁/NK₃ 200 8.1 5.0 6.4 NK₁/NK₃ 168 8.1 5.0 6.3 NK₁/NK₃ 193 8.1 5.0 6.3 NK₁/NK₃ 365 8.1 5.6 6.3 NK₁/NK₃ 167 8.1 5.7 6.2 NK₁/NK₃ 322 8.1 5.4 6.2 NK₁/NK₃ 217 8.1 5.5 6.1 NK₁/NK₃ 289 8.1 5.7 6.1 NK₁/NK₃ 26 8.0 5.8 6.8 NK₁/NK₃ 304 8.0 5.8 6.8 NK₁/NK₃ 178 8.0 5.7 6.6 NK₁/NK₃ 205 8.0 5.5 6.6 NK₁/NK₃ 31 8.0 5.6 6.4 NK₁/NK₃ 160 8.0 5.0 6.4 NK₁/NK₃ 192 8.0 5.0 6.2 NK₁/NK₃ 218 8.0 5.4 6.1 NK₁/NK₃ 357 8.0 5.5 6.1 NK₁/NK₃ 360 8.0 5.4 6.0 NK₁/NK₃ 32 7.9 5.3 6.7 NK₁/NK₃ 70 7.9 5.0 6.3 NK₁/NK₃ 21 7.9 5.3 6.4 NK₁/NK₃ 169 7.9 5.6 6.6 NK₁/NK₃ 195 7.9 5.0 6.4 NK₁/NK₃ 321 7.9 5.5 6.6 NK₁/NK₃ 369 7.9 5.4 6.2 NK₁/NK₃ 33 7.8 5.4 6.3 NK₁/NK₃ 39 7.8 5.5 6.4 NK₁/NK₃ 41 7.8 5.8 6.7 NK₁/NK₃ 17 7.8 5.1 6.6 NK₁/NK₃ 103 7.8 5.3 6.4 NK₁/NK₃ 295 7.8 5.7 6.5 NK₁/NK₃ 71 7.7 5.3 6.1 NK₁/NK₃ 34 7.7 5.5 6.5 NK₁/NK₃ 77 7.7 5.6 6.3 NK₁/NK₃ 45 7.7 5.2 6.8 NK₁/NK₃ 74 7.7 5.0 6.3 NK₁/NK₃ 115 7.7 5.1 6.5 NK₁/NK₃ 159 7.7 5.2 6.2 NK₁/NK₃ 174 7.7 5.7 6.0 NK₁/NK₃ 176 7.7 5.6 6.0 NK₁/NK₃ 13 7.6 5.4 6.7 NK₁/NK₃ 35 7.6 5.4 6.7 NK₁/NK₃ 42 7.6 5.0 6.6 NK₁/NK₃ 67 7.6 5.4 6.0 NK₁/NK₃ 36 7.6 5.0 6.7 NK₁/NK₃ 43 7.6 5.1 6.2 NK₁/NK₃ 66 7.6 5.3 6.4 NK₁/NK₃ 24 7.6 5.2 6.6 NK₁/NK₃ 49 7.6 5.5 6.6 NK₁/NK₃ 4 7.6 5.2 6.8 NK₁/NK₃ 163 7.6 n.d 6.8 NK₁/NK₃ 233 7.6 n.d 6.1 NK₁/NK₃ 256 7.6 5.8 6.4 NK₁/NK₃ 353 7.6 5.5 6.1 NK₁/NK₃ 30 7.5 5.4 6.0 NK₁/NK₃ 52 7.5 5.0 6.2 NK₁/NK₃ 23 7.5 5.5 6.3 NK₁/NK₃ 5 7.5 5.2 6.2 NK₁/NK₃ 56 7.4 5.5 6.9 NK₁/NK₃ 19 7.4 5.1 6.4 NK₁/NK₃ 54 7.4 5.0 6.1 NK₁/NK₃ 44 7.3 5.2 6.2 NK₁/NK₃ 64 7.3 5.6 6.8 NK₁/NK₃ 165 7.3 5.0 6.1 NK₁/NK₃ 12 7.1 5.0 6.9 NK₁/NK₃ 107 7.0 5.5 6.2 NK₁/NK₃ 142 6.9 n.d 6.1 NK₁/NK₃ 7 6.7 5.0 6.5 NK₁/NK₃ E. Composition Examples

“Active ingredient” (A.I.) as used throughout these examples relates to a compound of Formula (I), the pharmaceutically acceptable acid or base addition salts thereof, the stereochemically isomeric forms thereof, the N-oxide form thereof and prodrugs thereof.

Example E.1 Oral Drops

500 grams of the A.I. was dissolved in 0.5 l of 2-hydroxypropanoic acid and 1.5 l of the polyethylene glycol at 60˜80° C. After cooling to 30˜40° C. there were added 35 l of polyethylene glycol and the mixture was stirred well. Then there was added a solution of 1750 grams of sodium saccharin in 2.5 l of purified water and while stirring there were added 2.5 l of cocoa flavor and polyethylene glycol q.s. to a volume of 50 l, providing an oral drop solution comprising 10 mg/ml of A.I. The resulting solution was filled into suitable containers.

Example E.2 Oral Solution

9 Grams of methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate and 1 gram of propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate were dissolved in 4 l of boiling purified water. In 3 l of this solution were dissolved first 10 grams of 2,3-dihydroxybutanedioic acid and thereafter 20 grams of the A.I. The latter solution was combined with the remaining part of the former solution and 12 l 1,2,3-propanetriol and 3 l of sorbitol 70% solution were added thereto. 40 Grams of sodium saccharin were dissolved in 0.5 l of water and 2 ml of raspberry and 2 ml of gooseberry essence were added. The latter solution was combined with the former, water was added q.s. to a volume of 20 l providing an oral solution comprising 5 mg of the active ingredient per teaspoonful (5 ml). The resulting solution was filled in suitable containers.

Example E.3 Film-Coated Tablets

Preparation of Tablet Core

A mixture of 100 grams of the A.I., 570 grams lactose and 200 grams starch was mixed well and thereafter humidified with a solution of 5 grams sodium dodecyl sulfate and 10 grams polyvinylpyrrolidone in about 200 ml of water. The wet powder mixture was sieved, dried and sieved again. Then there was added 100 grams microcrystalline cellulose and 15 grams hydrogenated vegetable oil. The whole was mixed well and compressed into tablets, giving 10,000 tablets, each containing 10 mg of the active ingredient.

Coating

To a solution of 10 grams methyl cellulose in 75 ml of denaturated ethanol there was added a solution of 5 grams of ethyl cellulose in 150 ml of dichloromethane. Then there were added 75 ml of dichloromethane and 2.5 ml 1,2,3-propanetriol. 10 Grams of polyethylene glycol was molten and dissolved in 75 ml of dichloromethane. The latter solution was added to the former and then there were added 2.5 grams of magnesium octadecanoate, 5 grams of polyvinylpyrrolidone and 30 ml of concentrated colour suspension and the whole was homogenated. The tablet cores were coated with the thus obtained mixture in a coating apparatus.

Example E.4 Injectable Solution

1.8 Grams methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate and 0.2 grams propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate were dissolved in about 0.5 l of boiling water for injection. After cooling to about 50° C. there were added while stirring 4 grams lactic acid, 0.05 grams propylene glycol and 4 grams of the A.I. The solution was cooled to room temperature and supplemented with water for injection q.s. ad 1 l, giving a solution comprising 4 mg/ml of A.I. The solution was sterilized by filtration and filled in sterile containers. 

1. A compound according to the general Formula (I)

the pharmaceutically acceptable acid or base addition salts thereof, the stereochemically isomeric forms thereof, the N-oxide form thereof and prodrugs thereof, wherein: n is an integer, equal to 1; m is an integer, equal to 1; p is an integer equal to 1 or 2; q is an integer equal to 0; Q is O; X is a covalent bond; each R¹ independently from each other, is selected from the group of Ar¹, Ar¹-alkyl and di(Ar¹)-alkyl; R² is Ar²; Y is a covalent bond or a bivalent radical of formula —C(═O)—, —SO₂—, >C═CH—R or >C═N—R, wherein R is H, CN or nitro; each Alk represents, independently from each other, a covalent bond; a bivalent straight or branched, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon radical having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; or a cyclic saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon radical having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms; each radical optionally substituted on one or more carbon atoms with one or more, phenyl, halo, cyano, hydroxy, formyl and amino radicals; L is selected from the group of hydrogen, alkyl, alkyloxy, alkyloxyalkyloxy, alkylcarbonyloxy, alkyloxycarbonyl, mono- and di(alkyl)amino, mono- and di(alkyloxycarbonyl)amino, mono- and di(alkylcarbonyl)amino, mono- and di(Ar³)amino, mono- and di(Ar³alkyl)amino, mono- and di(Het²)amino, mono- and di(Het²alkyl)amino, alkylsulfanyl, adamantyl, Ar³, Ar³-oxy, Ar³carbonyl, Het², Het-oxy and Het²carbonyl; Ar¹ is phenyl, optionally substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents, each independently from each other, selected from the group of halo, alkyl, cyano, aminocarbonyl and alkyloxy; Ar² is naphthalenyl or phenyl, each optionally substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents, each independently from each other, selected from the group of halo, nitro, amino, mono- and di(alkyl)amino, cyano, alkyl, hydroxy, alkyloxy, carboxyl, alkyloxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl and mono- and di(alkyl)aminocarbonyl; Ar³ is naphthalenyl or phenyl, optionally substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents, each independently from each other, selected from the group of alkyloxy, Ar¹carbonyloxyalkyl, Ar¹alkyloxycarbonyl, Ar¹alkyloxyalkyl, alkyl, halo, hydroxy, pyridinyl, morpholinyl, pyrrolidinyl, imidazo[1,2-a]pyridinyl, morpholinylcarbonyl, pyrrolidinylcarbonyl, amino and cyano; Het² is a monocyclic heterocyclic radical selected from the group of pyrrolidinyl, dioxolyl, imidazolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, piperidinyl, morpholinyl, dithianyl, thiomorpholinyl, piperazinyl, imidazolidinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, 2H-pyrrolyl, pyrrolinyl, imidazolinyl, pyrazolinyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, triazolyl, furanyl, thienyl, oxazolyl, dioxazolyl, oxazolidinyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl and triazinyl; or a bicyclic heterocyclic radical selected from the group of 2,3-dihydro-benzo [1,4]dioxine, octahydro-benzo[1,4]dioxine, benzopiperidinyl, quinolinyl, quinoxalinyl, indolyl, isoindolyl, chromanyl, benzimidazolyl, imidazo[1,2-a]pyridinyl, benzoxazolyl, benzisoxazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzisothiazolyl, benzofuranyl or benzothienyl; or the tricyclic heterocyclic radical 8,9-dihydro-4H-1-oxa-3,5,7a-triaza-cyclopenta[f]azulenyl; each radical may optionally be substituted with one or more radicals selected from the group of Ar¹, Ar¹alkyl, Ar¹alkyloxyalkyl, halo, hydroxy, alkyl, piperidinyl, pyrrolyl, thienyl, oxo, alkyloxy, alkylcarbonyl, Ar¹carbonyl, mono- and di(alkyl)aminoalkyl, alkyloxyalkyl and alkyloxycarbonyl; and alkyl is a straight or branched saturated hydrocarbon radical having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms or a cyclic saturated hydrocarbon radicals having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms; optionally substituted on one or more carbon atoms with one or more radicals selected from the group of phenyl, halo, cyano, oxo, hydroxy, formyl and amino.
 2. A compound according to claim 1 wherein: R¹ is Ar¹-alkyl; R² is Ar²; Y is a covalent bond or a bivalent radical of formula —C(═O)—, —SO₂—, >C═CH—R or >C═N—R, wherein R is CN or nitro; each Alk represents, independently from each other, a covalent bond; a bivalent straight or branched, saturated hydrocarbon radical having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; or a cyclic saturated hydrocarbon radical having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms; each radical optionally substituted on one or more carbon atoms with one or more phenyl, halo and hydroxy radicals; L is selected from the group of hydrogen, alkyl, alkyloxy, alkyloxyalkyloxy, alkylcarbonyloxy, mono- and di(alkyl)amino, mono- and di(alkyloxycarbonyl)amino, mono- and di(alkylcarbonyl)amino, mono- and di(Ar³)amino, mono- and di(Ar³alkyl)amino, mono- and di(Het²alkyl)amino, alkylsulfanyl, adamantyl, Ar³, Het² and Het²carbonyl; Ar¹ is phenyl, optionally substituted with 1 or 2 halo radicals; Ar² is naphthalenyl or phenyl, each optionally substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents, each independently from each other, selected from the group of halo, alkyl and alkyloxy; Ar³ is naphthalenyl or phenyl, optionally substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents, each independently from each other, selected from the group of alkyloxy, Ar¹alkyloxycarbonyl, Ar¹alkyloxyalkyl, alkyl, halo and cyano; Het² is a monocyclic heterocyclic radical selected from the group of pyrrolidinyl, dioxolyl, piperidinyl, morpholinyl, piperazinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, furanyl, thienyl, dioxazolyl, oxazolidinyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl and pyridazinyl;  or a bicyclic heterocyclic radical selected from the group of 2,3-dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxine, octahydro-benzo[1,4]dioxine, quinoxalinyl, indolyl, chromanyl, benzimidazolyl, imidazo[1,2-a]pyridinyl, benzisoxazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzofuranyl and benzothienyl; or the tricyclic heterocyclic radical 8,9-dihydro-4H-1-oxa-3,5,7a-triaza-cyclopenta[f]azulenyl; each radical may optionally be substituted with one or more radicals selected from the group of Ar¹, Ar¹alkyloxyalkyl, halo, alkyl, oxo, alkyloxy, alkylcarbonyl, Ar¹carbonyl, mono- and di(alkyl)aminoalkyl, alkyloxyalkyl and alkyloxycarbonyl; and alkyl is a straight or branched saturated hydrocarbon radical having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms or a cyclic saturated hydrocarbon radicals having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms ; optionally substituted on one or more carbon atoms with one or more radicals selected from the group of phenyl, halo and hydroxy.
 3. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R¹ is Ar¹methyl and attached to the 2-position or R¹ is Ar¹ and attached to the 3-position.
 4. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R²—X—C(═Q)—moiety is 3,5-di-(trifluoromethyl) phenylcarbonyl.
 5. A compound according to claim 1, wherein Y is —C(═O)—.
 6. A compound according to claim 1, wherein Alk is a covalent bond.
 7. A compound according to claim 1, wherein L is Het².
 8. A compound according to claim 1, selected from the group consisting of: [2R-trans]-{2-benzyl-4-[4-(1-pyrazin-2-yl-pyrrolidin-3-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-piperidin-1-yl}-(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-methanone, [2R-[2α,4β(S)]]-1-(3-{4-[2-benzyl-1-(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-benzoyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-piperazin-1-yl}-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-2,2-dimethyl-propan-1-one, [2R-[2α,4β(S*)]-{2-benzyl-4-[4-(1-cyclopropanecarbonyl-pyrrolidin-3-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-piperidin-1-yl}-(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-methanone, [2R-trans]-enantiomer of {2-benzyl-4-[4-(1-cyclopropanecarbonyl-pyrrolidin-3-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-piperidin-1-yl}-(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-methanone, 2R-trans-(2-benzyl-4-{4-[1-(tetrahydro-furan-3-carbonyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-piperazin-1-yl}-piperidin-1-yl)-(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-methanone, [2R-[2α,4β(R(R))]]-(2-benzyl-4-{4-[1-(tetrahydro-furan-3-carbonyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-piperazin-1-yl}-piperidin-1-yl)-(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-methanone, [2R-[2α,4β(S(R))]]-(2-benzyl-4-{4-[1-(tetrahydro-furan-3-carbonyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-piperazin-1-yl}-piperidin-1-yl)-(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-methanone, [2R-trans,R*]-(2-benzyl-4-{4-[1-(furan-3-carbonyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-piperazin-1-yl}-piperidin-1-yl)-(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-methanone, [2R-[2α,4β(R)]]-(2-benzyl-4-{4-[1-(5-methyl-thiophene-2-carbonyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-piperazin-1-yl}-piperidin-1-yl)-(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-methanone, [2R-trans]-(2-benzyl-4-{4-[1-(3-hydroxymethyl-thiophene-2-sulfonyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-piperazin-1-yl}-piperidin-1-yl)-(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-methanone, [2R-[2α,4β(S)]]-(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-(2-(3,4-dichloro-benzyl)-4-{4-[1-(4-hydroxy-butyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-piperazin-1-yl}-piperidin-1-yl)-methanone, [(2R-trans),(S)]-1-(3-{4-[1-(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-benzoyl)-2-(3,4-dichloro-benzyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-piperazin-1-yl}-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-2,2-dimethyl-propan-1-one, trans-(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-[4-{4-[1-(2-chloro-benzoyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-piperazin-1-yl}-2-(3,4-dichloro-benzyl)-piperidin-1-yl]-methanone, [(2R-trans),(S)]-(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-(2-(3,4-dichloro-benzyl)-4-{4-[1-(thiophene-2-carbonyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-piperazin-1-yl}-piperidin-1-yl)-methanone, [(2R-trans), (R)]-(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-(2-(3,4-dichloro-benzyl)-4-{4-[1-(thiophene-3-carbonyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-piperazin-1-yl}-piperidin-1-yl)-methanone, [(2R-trans), (R)]-(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-(2-(3,4-dichloro-benzyl)-4-{4-[1-(furan-2-carbonyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-piperazin-1-yl}-piperidin-1-yl)-methanone, [(2R-trans), (S)]-(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-(2-(3,4-dichloro-benzyl)-4-{4-[1-(furan-2-carbonyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-piperazin-1-yl}-piperidin-1-yl)-methanone, [(2R-trans), (S), (R)]-(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-(2-(3,4-dichloro-benzyl)-4-{4-[1-(tetrahydro-furan-3-carbonyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-piperazin-1-yl}-piperidin-1-yl) -methanone, [(2R-trans), (R)]-(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-(2-(3,4-dichloro-benzyl)-4-{4-[1-(pyrazine-2-carbonyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-piperazin-1-yl}-piperidin-1-yl)-methanone, [2R-[2α,4β(R*)]]-(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-(2-(3,4-difluoro-benzyl)-4-{4-[1-(1-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carbonyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-piperazin-1-yl}-piperidin-1-yl) -methanone, [2R-[2α,4β(R*(S*))]](3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-(2-(3,4-difluoro-benzyl)-4-{4-[1-(tetrahydro-furan-3-carbonyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-piperazin-1-yl}-piperidin-1-yl) -methanone, [2R-[2α,4βS*(S*))]]-(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-(2-(3,4-difluoro-benzyl)-4-{4-[1-(tetrahydro-furan-3-carbonyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-piperazin-1-yl}-piperidin-1-yl) -methanone, [2R-[2α,4β(S*(R*))]]-(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-(2-(3,4-difluoro-benzyl)-4-{4-[1-(tetrahydro-furan-3-carbonyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-piperazin-1-yl}-piperidin-1-yl) -methanone, [2R-[2α,4β(R*(R*))]]-(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-(2-(3,4-difluoro-benzyl)-4-{4-[1-(tetrahydro-furan-3-carbonyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-piperazin-1-yl}-piperidin-1-yl) -methanone, [2R-[2α,4β(S*)]]-(3,5-Bis-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-(2-(3,4-difluoro-benzyl)-4-{4-[1-(furan-3-carbonyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-piperazin-1-yl}-piperidin-1-yl)-methanone, [2R-[2α,4β(S*)]]-(3,5-Bis-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-(2-(3,4-difluoro-benzyl)-4-{4-[1-(pyrazine-2-carbonyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-piperazin-1-yl}-piperidin-1-yl)-methanone, [2R-[2α,4β(S*)]]-(3,5-Bis-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-(2-(3,4-difluoro-benzyl)-4-{4-[1-(4-methyl-[1,2,3]thiadiazole-5-carbonyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-piperazin-1-yl}-piperidin-1-yl)-methanone, and cis-(3,5-Bis-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-(3-phenyl-4-{4-[1-(thiophene-2-carbonyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-piperazin-1-yl}-piperidin-1-yl)-methanone.
 9. A method for treating schizophrenia, emesis, anxiety, depression, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), circadian rhythm disturbances, pain, neurogenic inflammation, asthma, micturition disorders and nociception in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound according to claim
 1. 10. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and, as active ingredient, a therapeutically effective amount of a compound according to claim
 1. 11. A process for preparing a pharmaceutical composition as claimed in claim 10, wherein a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is intimately mixed with a therapeutically effective amount of a compound as claimed claim
 1. 12. A process for the preparation of a compound of Formula (I″) in which an intermediate compound of Formula (II) is reacted with an intermediate compound of Formula (III), wherein the radicals R², X, Q, R¹, m, n, p and q are as defined in claim 1


13. A process for the preparation of a compound of Formula (I′) in which a final compound of Formula (IΔ) is reductively hydrogenated, wherein the radicals R², X, Q, R¹, m, n, p and q are as defined in claim 1 